Inverters Explained

Paper

Inverters are the brain of a solar system. Converting DC to AC, inverters make it possible to use solar electricity. This enabling technology forms a key part of European energy systems and must be integral in industrial planning.
Inverters Explained

Setting an EU inverter manufacturing target. Ensuring harmonised technical standards. Pairing inverters and non-firm grid connections to support the grid.

Discover the brain of the solar system

Watch the inverter industry sit down with Kerstin Jorna, Director General for Industry at the European Commission during Intersolar 2023. 

What are inverters and why do they matter?

The inverter is the component that converts direct current (DC) into alternative current (AC), controls the quality of the electricity produced, and generates data on the electricity produced. 

 

With communication to the grid,  the inverter holds all information about electricity demand and makes a significant contribution to grid stability.

 

Without inverters, the electricity generated by the solar modules would not be useable in any electric or electronic appliance.

1

What is the economic value of the inverter sector in Europe?

With a production capacity exceeding 60 GW in the EU, the inverter industry holds a prominent position in the European manufacturing sector, and is one of the largest segments of the solar value chain still manufactured in Europe.

 

Inverter manufacturing plays a crucial role in job creation within the EU solar industry, accounting for approximately 70% of all full-time equivalents (FTEs) in European manufacturing across the solar supply chain. In 2021 this translated to around 31,000 jobs, highlighting the significant employment opportunities it provides.

2

What does the inverter industry need?

On cyber-resilience

  • International harmonisation of technical standards.
  • Grid operators must have capacity to blackstart the grid

 

On enabling grids

Consumers should be entitled to a non-firm grid connection

 

On supply chains

  • Setting an ambitious inverter target within the Net-Zero Industry Act
  • Ensuring the inverter industry is included throughout the Green Deal Industry Plan
3

See the big picture on manufacturing

Discover #MakeSolarEU
Interested in becoming a member?

Have a look at the membership pages to find out all about your benefits

Why become a member?