Sungrow Introduces a Revolutionary DC-Coupled Solution for PV-ESS in Europe

Sungrow's Innovative DC-Coupled Solution for Energy Storage

As the energy transition accelerates across Europe, photovoltaic technology combined with energy storage systems (ESS) is becoming increasingly prevalent in large-scale solar farms. According to BloombergNEF, the cumulative capacity of photovoltaic systems with storage in Europe is expected to exceed 15 GWh by 2029. However, high costs, efficiency constraints, and the declining efficiency of solar energy systems continue to limit their economic potential.

At the recent Sungrow PV-ESS Summit, the company unveiled its comprehensive DC-coupled solar energy and storage solution. This includes the modular inverter 1+X, designed with a dedicated storage interface, the PowerTitan 3.0 integrated with a DC/DC module, and the overall PV-ESS management system. This holistic design enhances operational efficiency, allows flexible energy management, and improves grid compatibility for large-scale solar projects across Europe.

Seamless Coordination Between PV and Storage

The new system supports up to 8 hours of discharge capacity, with a high DC/AC ratio reaching up to 2.0, enabling up to 100% utilization of the ESS. It optimizes energy arbitrage during peak and low price periods, ensuring a reliable supply of green energy around the clock while providing comprehensive cost optimization across the system lifecycle. The integration of the DC-coupled architecture significantly reduces AC cabling requirements, and by eliminating the need for a separate Power Conversion System (PCS) and MVS Station, it can lead to substantial cost savings.

In a typical project involving 100 MW of photovoltaic capacity and 200 MWh of storage, the potential savings can reach up to 1 million euros in capital expenditures (CAPEX). Furthermore, the DC-coupled solution enhances overall energy conversion efficiency by 3 to 5%, optimizing long-term project profitability.

Beyond hardware optimization, the integrated PV-ESS design ensures high operational efficiency from delivery through operation. During the delivery phase, this proposition accelerates installation and connection to the grid, while the internal software guarantees optimal performance under varying conditions. Sungrow's extensive after-sales service further ensures reliable system management, maximizing asset profitability for large-scale photovoltaic projects with storage in Europe.

Smart Energy Supply and Management

The new system automatically stores excess photovoltaic generation during production peaks or grid constraints. It charges rapidly during periods of high generation and low prices, and discharges seamlessly during high-demand intervals. This intelligent regulation helps stabilize solar production and supports a more efficient energy supply to the grid, thereby ensuring reliability around the clock.

Grid-Forming Technology Ensuring Stability

Designed to tackle the increasingly complex and fragile grid environments in Europe, the solution integrates advanced grid-forming capabilities to ensure system stability across all network conditions. It offers enhanced inertia support and significantly reduces frequency response times from hundreds of milliseconds to under 5 ms, allowing for rapid frequency stabilization and improving overall system reliability.

With a transient overvoltage tolerance up to 1.8 times higher and real-time evaluation of key grid indicators, such as short-circuit ratio (SCR), the system enables smooth transitions between grid-following and grid-forming modes, ensuring reliable operation in dynamic network conditions.

To date, Sungrow's DC-coupled PV-ESS system has been implemented in over 90 projects worldwide, including a 100 MW photovoltaic + 220 MWh ESS project in Australia and a 181 MW photovoltaic + 638 MWh ESS project in Chile, showcasing its reliability across diverse network environments and markets. With the launch of PowerTitan 3.0 in Europe, Sungrow is committed to accelerating technological innovation and evolution in energy solutions, driving the European energy transition forward by generating greater value through enhanced photovoltaic storage systems.

About Sungrow

Sungrow is a global leader in renewable energy technology, pioneering sustainable energy solutions for over 29 years. As of June 2025, Sungrow has installed 870 GW of power electronics worldwide, recognized as the most cost-effective solar inverter and energy storage company globally according to BloombergNEF. Its innovations are driving clean energy projects across the globe, bolstered by a network of 520 service points ensuring an excellent customer experience. Sungrow remains committed to building a sustainable future through cutting-edge technology and unparalleled service. For more information, visit www.sungrowpower.com/en.