Sharp launches first inverter for the US market

Japanese world market leader Sharp started sales of its first on-grid inverter for the US market in August. The JH-3500 U Sunvista is based on Sharp's inverters for the Japanese market, but meets UL and IEEE 929 standards. It has a nominal power of 3.5 kW and an MPP range of between 110 and 350 V. 

© Sharp Electronics Corporation Hasta la Sunvista: In August, Japanese manufacturer Sharp introduced its first inverter that fulfills American security standards.

The new device can take up to three different input strings of solar modules, each equipped with their own MPP tracker – like German manufacturer SMA's multi-string inverters, which are not yet available on the US market. The multi-string concept allows solar modules to be installed at different angles and orientations to increase the system yield.

The maximum efficiency of 93 percent is quite low for an inverter with a high frequency transformer. Comparable products made by European manufacturers Fronius and Mastervolt, for example, reach 94.2 and 94.5 percent.

Since the inverter has a NEMA 3R housing and works at an ambient temperature of between -20 and 40 °C, it is suitable for outdoor use. An LCD for indoor installation shows the CO2 offset and the amount of energy produced. The guarantee is five years, delivery time is one month, and the retail price is $3,500. 
 

datasheet

Sharp Electronics Corporation
5901 Bolsa Ave.
Huntington Beach, CA 92647
USA
phone +1/630/378-3357
www.sharpusa.com/solar

Iris Krampitz
© PHOTON International, October 2003