The Solar Ware Samurai central inverter from TMEIC achieved a maximum efficiency of 99.01 percent in California Energy Commissioning (CEC) testing, setting a new standard among photovoltaic central inverters. TMEIC developed the Solar Ware Samurai through decades of research, and created the most advanced inverters in the industry.
CEC testing is a standardized performance testing protocol and guideline for evaluating PV Inverters used in grid-connecting photovoltaic systems. The CEC testing and protocol imitates a real life scenario by weighing the efficiency based on actual anticipated load conditions. CSA, a qualified, Nationally Recognized Test Laboratory performed the tests.
“The Solar Ware Samurai is the world’s first central inverter to achieve a maximum efficiency of 99.01 percent”, TMEIC General Manager of Renewable Energies, Donn Samsa, said. “There have been string inverters tested at 99 percent due to SiC design, but no central inverter has ever done this.”
The Solar Ware Samurai is an outdoor PCS with a stand-alone capacity of 1,667kW. It’s highly advanced cooling system offers fanless operation up to 50 percent of the output power rating, and maintains high reliability while reducing energy costs. The inverter also boasts the ability to operate efficiently under the harshest of environments, such as deserts, where large-scale mega solar facilities are frequently installed.
Earlier this year, the Solar Ware Samurai won an Intersolar Award for innovation in solar technology. The inverter was among the three winners selected from more than 200 companies, in 21 countries worldwide, to receive an award in the Photovoltaics category.
Designed and built in Japan for high quality reliability, it is available in America, with an installed base of more than 60 units since its introduction in 2013. TMEIC anticipates orders of more than 400 units in 2014.
The Samurai and other TMEIC drives will be made manufactured in a new facility in Houston, Texas. TMEIC North America is headquartered in Roanoke, Virginia.