While fewer solar module suppliers made the journey to Munich this year, the gap was more than filled by a strong display of energy storage systems, while the drive for innovation in inverters shows no sign of slowing.
The C&I segment in particular has seen robust growth. Once vaguely positioned between domestic inverters and large-scale models for solar parks, this middle segment has now moved centre stage. Here is a selection of the most notable developments:
Solar Investors Guide – innovation reaching new heights (download the free e-paper)
A strong duo from Kaco
Kaco New Energy of Neckarsulm brought its Blueplanet 50.0 NX3 and 60.0 NX3 inverters to Munich. The devices are tailored specifically for commercial and industrial rooftops, and are well suited to repowering projects.
Kaco also offers larger models, such as the Blueplanet 100 NX3 and 125 NX3. With power transistors made of silicon carbide, these units combine exceptional robustness with a compact footprint.
Each device features five MPP trackers, integrated shade management and compatibility with high-performance modules. Up to two module strings can be connected to each of the five inputs, giving installers ample flexibility to accommodate complex roof layouts, including angled or partially shaded surfaces.
Fronius offers emergency power and is introducing a new storage system
Kostal expands the Plenticore range
With just three models, the Plenticore G3 hybrid inverter from Kostal Solar Electric covers up to 27 different applications. Capable of up to 20 kilowatts, it supports battery storage and allows for asymmetrical input allocation.
The device offers backup power capability and can be installed with minimal effort. With DC inputs rated up to 30 amps, the Plenticore is ready for high-current solar modules. It meets all requirements set out by Section 14a of the German Energy Industry Act (EnWG) and the so-called Solar Peak Act (Solarspitzengesetz). Through Kostal’s Plenticoin system, performance upgrades and storage integration can be activated flexibly, either at installation or at a later point.
Living quarter in Malmö: High quality and service as deciding factors
New single-phase Plenticore
The new Plenticore MP is Kostal’s single-phase solution for smaller solar arrays. Built on the same platform as the three-phase models, it offers Wi-Fi, Comboard technology, a unified design and straightforward commissioning.
It is fully compatible with the Enector wallbox, Kostal’s backup switch and a wide range of high-voltage batteries. No rewiring is required for legacy systems up to five kilowatts.
Kostal’s Backup Switch makes provision of emergency power straightforward, whether for single- or three-phase systems. The integrated line-break detection enhances safety and users can configure backup power for individual circuits or for the entire house, as needed.
WHES joins BayWa r.e. to scale commercial storage in European markets
Robust Piko CI series
The latest generation of Piko CI inverters is available in 30, 50 and 100 kilowatt versions, each housed in a compact enclosure. An integrated Smart AC Switch replaces external coupling switches, while arc detection and built-in, replaceable AC/DC surge protection raise safety standards. Commissioning is efficient and intuitive via the Piko CI app, now with Bluetooth support for greater range.
All services are consolidated on the Kostal Solar Terminal, which is designed to be fast, secure and clearly structured. The Solar Plan software is now available as a web application for smartphones, tablets and desktops, a digital ecosystem that streamlines workflows for planners, installers and energy consultants, facilitating the transition to the very latest generation of energy solutions.
Kenneth Frey from SOFAR: “Good service is crucial”
SMA’s new residential system
SMA’s new home storage system, featuring a modular battery and the Sunny Boy Smart Energy hybrid inverter, is designed to maximise self-consumption in private households. The Sunny Home Manager 2.0 oversees energy management, responding dynamically to changing load profiles.
SMA boosts cybersecurity with standards beyond compliance
With its modular construction, storage capacity can be scaled from 3.2 to 16.4 kilowatt hours to suit demand. A new backup function provides single- or three-phase emergency power.
The updated SMA 360 Degree app further simplifies installation and maintenance for specialist partners. In addition, SMA has partnered with Lichtblick to offer the dynamic Strom Wallet Dynamic Pro electricity tariff.
SMA presents new systems for parks, homes and C&I
Driving down C&I costs
For commercial and industrial users, SMA showcased new features in its Data Manager M and Sunny Portal energy management systems. These tools help avoid costly peak loads and reduce operating expenses.
A notable addition is the ability to schedule battery charging and discharging, which offers economic benefits for sectors including manufacturing, logistics, office buildings and supermarkets.
From slowdown to restart – Fronius is back on track
New Sunny Tripower X60
SMA’s new Sunny Tripower X60 string inverter is built specifically for commercial installations. It integrates a system manager and connects directly to the SMA Monitoring Portal. With up to 60 kilowatts of power and five MPP trackers, it optimises energy yield by independently managing multiple module strings, even on complex roofs or with bifacial modules.
SolarEdge and Schaeffler collaborate on European EV network
Solaredge: Expanded offering for installers and EPCs
Solaredge presented its solar-powered EV charging solution for company fleets, comprising a new charging station and charge management platform. The software is based on developments by Wevo Energy, now part of Solaredge.
New features for the One optimisation platform for C&I customers were also unveiled, alongside the CSS-OD commercial storage system (102.4 kilowatt hours). In Munich, Solaredge also introduced the Terra Max commercial inverter (330 kilowatts) and the H1300 and H1500 power optimisers, designed for higher system voltages in solar parks.
Christian Carraro from SolarEdge: “Going ever-cheaper is high-risk”
Affordable solutions for small roofs
For residential customers, Solaredge brought the new Controller One to Munich. Its interface allows seamless integration of PV systems with EV chargers and heat pumps.
Also making its debut was a new DC optimiser for private households, designed to enable cost-effective PV deployment on small roofs. Further new modular and easily scalable storage solutions are in the pipeline.
SolarEdge to expand its products for installers and EPC
Sungrow: Modular C&I inverters
For the first time in Europe, Sungrow presented its 1+X 2.0 modular inverter, which can be flexibly configured from 800 kilowatts to 9.6 megawatts (as a single unit or in parallel up to twelve units). The new SH125CX hybrid inverter (125 kilowatts) was also on show; it can be paired with the Power Stack 255CS C&I battery system for medium and large commercial projects.
The inverter is compatible with all standard solar modules and supports up to 40 amps. The DC-AC ratio can reach 2.0, and up to 24 units can be operated in parallel, enabling up to three megawatts (AC) and six megawatt hours of storage.
This solution is also well suited for retrofits, with the hybrid inverter replacing the existing unit and connecting to the storage system.
Expert analysis – C&I storage driving a cleaner energy system
The SH125CX is built to withstand harsh environments (IP66, C5 corrosion protection) and features an AFCI 3.0 detector, capable of identifying DC-side arc faults over cable runs of up to 450 metres. (HS/TF)
