TMEIC Opens High-Tech Photovoltaic Inverter Test Facility
Dignitaries and regional leaders cut ribbon on state-of-the-art photovoltaic inverter test facility.
SALEM, Va. (May 5, 2016) – Company leaders, local dignitaries, Virginia representatives and economic development experts gathered today to officially cut the ribbon on a one-of-a-kind, $1.5 million purpose-built photovoltaic (PV) inverter test facility in Salem, VA. TMEIC, headquartered in Roanoke, VA, designed the Photovoltaic Inverter Test Lab in order to subject its PV inverters to the operational stresses and weather conditions experienced in real world situations.
“TMEIC PV inverters are used in utility-scale solar power facilities, some of which can boast up to two million solar panels. Our Solar Ware® solutions convert the variable DC output of a solar panel into the AC power that is fed into an electrical grid and used by households,” TMEIC president and CEO, Dale Guidry, said. “We designed and built the PV Inverter Test Lab to ensure our inverters continue to perform above and beyond the competition. TMEIC sets a high standard for every solution we produce, and that’s why our Solar Ware® products lead the industry and production continues to grow year-over-year.”
Within the high-tech testing facility, TMEIC experts conduct surge and RF field immunity testing, as well as California Energy Commission efficiency testing. Additionally, TMEIC certifies its PV inverters to all specifications required by UL1741, IEEE1547 and IEEE1547.1 standards. In addition to rigorous performance and electromagnetic compatibility testing of inverters up to three megawatts, TMEIC’s Photovoltaic Inverter Test Lab is also capable of generating a wide range of environmental conditions.
“We’re able to simulate extended periods of cold at below zero temperatures, extreme heat of more than 160 degrees Fahrenheit, and 85 percent relative humidity; all while the equipment is closely monitored inside the testing chamber,” TMEIC Renewable Energy Solutions General Manager, Donn Samsa, said. “Simply put, TMEIC inverters are put through the ringer inside this facility to ensure we continue to produce the most advanced and durable inverters in the world.”
As the world’s leading industrial system integrator, TMEIC engineers advance solutions for various industries throughout the world, including renewable energy. With more than 30 years of manufacturing, research and development experience in the renewable energy industry, TMEIC solar power solutions are in use around the globe, including 14 states in the U.S. TMEIC has shipped thousands of PV inverters globally and was recently recognized for the second year in a row as the Frost & Sullivan Company of the Year for ‘revolutionizing PV utility-scale solar inverter solutions in terms of market reliability, efficiency and productivity.’
“It’s innovative market leaders like TMEIC that keep the Virginia economy strong and America leading the way in growth industries around the world,” said Congressman Bob Goodlatte. “I’m proud to see the Commonwealth driving utility-scale renewable energy solutions forward thanks to the hard work and innovative minds inside TMEIC.”
Reports indicate the U.S. solar market is expected to continue its impressive growth, much of which has been supported by the solar Incentive Tax Credit (ITC) established in 2006. Residential and commercial solar ITC has supported the growth of annual solar installation by more than 1,600 percent in the last decade and the recent extension of solar ITC for projects completed by the end of 2023 is expected to drive billions in additional solar investment and create hundreds of thousands of jobs.
“Developing a robust solar industry is a key component of Governor McAuliffe's efforts to diversify and build a new Virginia economy,” said Advisor for Infrastructure and Development to the Virginia Secretary of Commerce and Trade, Hayes Framme. “Clean energy companies like TMEIC are helping the Commonwealth expand this important sector.”
TMEIC innovations continue to drive the utility-scale solar power industry forward. TMEIC’s Photovoltaic Inverter Test Lab is expected to complete certifications for its next generation of Solar Ware® inverters by the end of the month. The Samurai 1500V series inverters will be available in the same footprint as previous models, but increase inverter capacity by 47 percent.
