PHOTON International The Photovoltaic Magazine

Xantrex's 100 kW inverter for European markets

In January, Canadian inverter manufacturer Xantrex Technology introduces its first inverter for grid-connected PV systems in Germany. The GT 100 E (GT stands for grid-tied, the E for Europe) has a nominal power of 100 kW. Its MPP range is between 330 and 600 V, and customers have the option of parallel connecting several inverters.

	© Xantrex Technology Inc.
The premier: In January, Xantrex introduced its first inverter for grid-connected PV systems in Germany.

A similar 100 kW device has been available in the US for some time now, says Xantrex employee Peter Bruhns. But since the technical requirements in the states are different than those in Europe, the company decided to specially design the GT 100 for the European market. With a 95 percent maximum efficiency, the device is about average for this power class. The inverter's IP 21 protection type housing makes it only suitable for weatherproof installation locations – as are almost all devices of this type available on the market.

The company also offers an optional electromechanical disconnection device (ENS), which is required in Germany and a few other European countries, as well as a data logger with modem and additional analog inputs. In the coming year, Xantrex intends to set up a server that will allow customers to reference system data via the Internet.

At a net price of around €37,000 ($44,337), the Xantrex inverter costs about the same as comparable products from its competitors. As a limited introductory offer over the next six months, Xantrex is offering a five-year guarantee. Thereafter, the EU-wide legally stipulated two-year standard guarantee can be extended to five or 10 years at an additional cost. The company's Spanish subsidiary will handle distribution. If all goes according to plan, Xantrex will introduce a 500 kW inverter in 2004.

datasheet

Xantrex Technology S.L.
Edificio Diagonal 2A, C/ Constitución 3, 4° 2a
08960 Sant Just Desvern, Barcelona, Spain
phone +34/93/4705330, fax -4736093
andreas.vondung@xantrex.com
www.xantrex.com