Inverter Comparisons

IDC Energy Insights announced the availability of a new IDC MarketScape report designed to help installers of residential photovoltaic (PV) systems evaluate inverter technologies and make informed decisions about which vendors to avoid and which to engage.  This comprehensive study, IDC MarketScape: North American Residential Solar Inverter Market, 2011 (Document # EI230799), evaluate inverters for the North American market, providing a side-by-side comparison that emphasizes installer feedback. Key vendors featured include: Enphase Energy, Fronius, Schneider Electric (Xantrex), SMA, SolarEdge, and Solectria Renewables. 

"The PV industry in North America is young, but PV technology is rapidly evolving. Our Quarterly Photovoltaic Module Forecast predicts an annual growth rate of around 24% in the US for the next four years, and inverter technology will be a key differentiator between installers that capitalize on that growth and those that languish," said Jay Holman, Research Manager of IDC Energy Insights. 

Designed to provide a framework for the comparison of key performance metrics between string inverters, micro-inverters, and string inverter/DC optimizer solutions, the new MarketScape also provides recommendations on the different approaches to inverter vendor selection based on various circumstances faced by installers serving the residential solar inverter market. According to the new report, standard string inverters are becoming commoditized, with the cost leader gaining market share. However, vendors with innovative products, such as micro-inverters, are also gaining traction in the market, particularly for installations exposed to partial shading, or where panels are installed with multiple orientations. Installers must keep on top of the latest technological trends to remain competitive in this growing industry or will risk being left behind. 

IDC MarketScape criteria selection, weightings, and vendor scores represent well-researched IDC judgment about the market and specific vendors. IDC analysts tailor the range of standard characteristics by which vendors are measured through structured discussions, surveys, and interviews with market leaders, participants and end users. Market weightings are based on user interviews, buyer surveys and the input of a review board of IDC experts in each market. IDC analysts base individual vendor scores, and ultimately vendor positions within the IDC MarketScape, on detailed surveys and interviews with the vendors, publicly available information and end-user experiences in an effort to provide an accurate and consistent assessment of each vendor's characteristics, behavior and capability.