Schneider Electric’s Renewable Energies Business launched two new grid tie inverters and a high-voltage charge controller at Solar Power International (SPI). The Conext grid tie inverter has been redesigned to offer “improved reliability and a low installed cost through ease of installation and integrated features”. It may be installed as a single inverter, for a single PV array, or in a multiple-inverter configuration for large PV systems. The Xantrex XW MPPT 80 600 solar charge controller accepts array voltages up to 600V, reducing system wiring gauges and conduit costs. It is a PV charge controller that tracks the maximum power point of a PV array to deliver the maximum available current for charging batteries. Finally, the Xantrex GT500-480 grid tie solar inverter offers a CEC efficiency of 96.5%, a redesigned enclosure for reliability, and a two-section design with inverter and DC section in one cabinet and transformer and AC section in another. The inverter includes a night-time disconnect to prevent transformer magnetizing current losses and soft start circuit to reduce transformer inrush.

SCHNEIDER ELECTRIC RENEWABLE ENERGIES BUSINESS