#Germany #Munich #Sungrow #TÜV Rheinland #Inverter Standards

New Industry Standards for Inverter Reliability

During the Intersolar Europe 2026 exhibition, industry leaders Sungrow and TÜV Rheinland unveiled the world’s first quantitative long-term reliability standards for photovoltaic (PV) inverters. This significant development marks a major step in ensuring inverter performance over extended periods, which is crucial for the increasing demands presented by modern PV plants.

The Need for Robust Standards

As solar power plants grow in size and complexity, they often operate under challenging conditions such as high temperatures, humidity, and varying environmental factors. Traditional reliability standards have not kept pace with these evolving requirements, leading to discrepancies between laboratory results and real-world performance. To close this gap, Sungrow and TÜV Rheinland have established a comprehensive evaluation framework designed to assess the long-term reliability of inverters scientifically and quantitatively.

Introducing New Standards

The newly launched standards include:

• - 2 PfG 3325: This standard focuses on the reliability of IGBT modules used in photovoltaic power systems, targeting issues like thermal cycling and power cycling stresses.
• - 2 PfG 3328 - Part 2: This is a system-level standard aimed at evaluating the performance degradation and lifetime of complete PV inverter systems under varied environmental conditions.

By implementing these dual frameworks, a robust structure for reliability assessment spanning both components and systems has been created, addressing the performance expectations in real-world applications.

Advanced Testing Metrics

Traditional qualification methodologies have been enhanced significantly. For instance, the 2 PfG 3328 - Part 2 incorporates long-term durability tests and provides requirements for over 4,000 hours of accelerated aging tests, as well as assessments for low- and high-voltage ride-throughs under operational stress. Additionally, the 2 PfG 3325 standard improves conventional testing by integrating a longer duration for high-temperature gate bias (HTGB) testing and additional temperature cycling.

These advancements are essential, considering the increased operational stresses faced by inverter systems in harsh environments such as offshore platforms and desert installations.

Data-Driven Reliability Assessment

One of the most notable features of these new standards is their reliance on extensive field data collected from existing PV power plants. The standards utilize data-driven models to realistically estimate inverter lifetimes, employing rigorous methodologies inspired by automotive component tests. This results in a rigorous yet verifiable framework that provides assessors with substantial data for understanding lifecycle performance.

TÜV Rheinland's Vice President of Solar Commercial Products in Europe, Thomas Haupt, highlighted the importance of these standards, stating, "The two standards establish a structured and verifiable framework for long-term inverter reliability evaluation, offering valuable references for manufacturers, investors, and insurers in assessing lifecycle performance."

Sungrow's Commitment to Quality

With nearly three decades of experience in power electronics, Sungrow stands at the forefront of these industry enhancements. Their extensive knowledge and operational insights across numerous climates exemplify their commitment to advancing safety and reliability in solar power systems. They have successfully transitioned the evaluation of inverter reliability from subjective assessments to a quantifiable, scientific approach, ensuring that the energy produced is sustainable over decades.

In conclusion, the collaboration between Sungrow and TÜV Rheinland introduces a new era in inverter reliability standards, vital for investors and project owners looking for assurance in the long-term functionality of solar power systems. As the demand for renewable energy solutions skyrockets, such forward-thinking initiatives pave the way for a brighter and more reliable future in clean energy.