L R AS Published on Saturday 24 August 2019 - n° 286 - Categories:inverters/micro-inverters
Very strong global competition in the inverter market
The turnover of global suppliers of photovoltaic inverters decreased between 2017 and 2018. Profit margins declined due to competition. Additional margin was sought
with services or Internet of Things (IoT) platforms. According to Wood Mackenzie, the turnover of the world's five largest suppliers of photovoltaic inverters fell by 10% in 2018 compared to the previous year, due to lower prices. ABB has exited the market. Schneider has withdrawn from large inverters. SMA made a loss. In 2018, Chinese inverter manufacturers accounted for 28% of global deliveries outside China, compared with 22% in 2017 and 14% in 2016. Chinese companies increased their market share in Europe, Latin America and the Middle East.
Inverters - often described as the brains of a solar system - can connect electronic devices via IoT platforms. Electric vehicles, solar storage systems, smart meters, household appliances and other devices can be integrated on a single platform. Inverters are particularly well placed to connect these devices.
Despite the withdrawal of some players, the market is expected to continue to consolidate due to price pressure. This will affect stand-alone central inverters and three-phase inverters. On the other hand, micro inverters, single-phase string inverters, DC optimizers, or hybrid storage inverters are in much smaller markets in terms of megawatts shipped. They will all experience revenue growth by 2024.
GreenTech Media of August 8
