Sungrow Revolutionizes PV-ESS Systems Efficiency in Europe with New DC-Coupled Solutions

Sungrow's Groundbreaking Move in Renewable Energy

Sungrow, a pioneer in renewable energy technologies, has recently unveiled its innovative DC-coupled solution for Photovoltaic-Energy Storage Systems (PV-ESS) during the PV ESS Summit held in Madrid. This solution aims to maximize efficiency and reduce costs for large-scale solar projects across Europe, aligning perfectly with the continent's ongoing energy transition efforts. As stated by BloombergNEF, the cumulative capacity of PV-ESS in Europe is expected to exceed 15 GWh by 2029, signaling the growing significance of integrating energy storage with solar technology.

The Challenge of Efficiency and Cost

Despite the promising outlook for PV-ESS, the adoption of these systems is still hampered by high costs and efficiency issues. Sungrow's recent advancements aim to alleviate these concerns through a single-platform design that integrates a modular inverter known as 1+X alongside a storage interface, enhancing overall operational efficiency.

The DC-coupled design helps facilitate a flexible energy distribution while improving grid compatibility for solar projects of substantial scale. This solution not only optimizes energy utilization through better charge-discharge cycles but also enables continuous, reliable green power supply, addressing the intermittency issues often associated with solar power.

Advantages of the DC-Coupled Configuration

One of the standout features of this DC-coupled architecture is its integration of hardware that streamlines costs. By eliminating the need for separate Power Conversion Systems (PCS) and Medium Voltage Stations (MVS), the design can save significant capital expenditures — up to 1 million euros for a typical 100 MW solar project with 200-MWh storage.

The improvements extend beyond mere cost savings. Sungrow notes that this integrated approach enhances overall energy conversion efficiency by 3–5%, thus providing better economic returns over the project's lifecycle. The adaptive control software also ensures that the system maintains optimal performance under changing weather and load conditions, while their comprehensive service network provides reliable support throughout its operational phase.

Smart Energy Distribution

Sungrow's DC-coupled solution automatically manages surplus PV generation, quickly charging during peak production times and discharging to stabilize the grid during high demand. This smart control mechanism not only alleviates strain on the grid but also generates a more consistent and friendly energy profile, beneficial for broader grid integration.

Moreover, the technology incorporates advanced grid-forming capabilities to ensure stable operation under various network conditions. With rapid inertial support and improved frequency response times, the system can promptly stabilize grid frequency fluctuations, thus enhancing reliability.

Proven Efficacy in Diverse Markets

To date, the DC-coupled PV-ESS system has been implemented in over 90 projects globally, demonstrating its reliability across different market contexts. Notable installations include a 100 MW PV + 220 MWh ESS system in Australia and a 181 MW PV + 638 MWh ESS project in Chile. Such milestones underline Sungrow's commitment to harnessing technological innovations for advancing renewable energy deployment.

About Sungrow

Sungrow has been at the forefront of renewable technology for over 29 years, having installed approximately 870 GW of power electronics inverters globally by June 2025. Recognized as the world's most profitable manufacturer of PV inverters and energy storage solutions by BloombergNEF, Sungrow is dedicated to driving clean energy projects globally, supported by a robust service network to deliver exceptional customer experiences. For more information, visit Sungrow's official website.