Last Updated on November 7, 2025 by Author
Q1. In 2025, India is witnessing a surge in utility-scale solar projects. How are Solis string inverters engineered to compete with or complement central inverters in terms of efficiency, scalability, and long-term O&M advantages?
- Efficiency
- Solis string inverters now achieve peak efficiencies above 99%, with multiple MPPTs enabling better energy harvesting from high-capacity PV modules and diverse string orientations.
- They reduce mismatch losses compared to central inverters, especially in large sites where module degradation and soiling vary across arrays.
- Scalability & Flexibility
- Solis string inverters support modular expansion, with capacities of 255 kW and 350 kW, making them suitable for phased project execution and integration with high-wattage modules.
- They offer design flexibility for uneven terrains or distributed layouts, unlike central inverters that are better suited to uniform large blocks.
- The distributed architecture improves system resilience—failure of one inverter impacts only a small portion of the plant, minimizing energy loss.
- Long-Term O&M Advantages
- Auxiliary Switch allows system dry runs to identify faults before commissioning, reducing commissioning errors and aiding easy fault-finding.
- Advanced Auto-Trip DC Switch provides reverse polarity and short-circuit protection. High-precision sensors detect faults, and the controller trips the inverter within 5 ms. This intelligent DC protection avoids frequent fuse replacements and prevents arc formation.
- Smart Fan Operation removes dust by reversing fan direction and prevents snow formation on fan blades in low temperatures, ensuring efficient cooling and easy maintenance.
- Intelligent Humidity Sensors protect electronic components from humidity and water droplet damage.
- Built-in Monitoring & IV Curve Scanning enables faster issue identification and reduces downtime.
- 350 kW Inverter with Inbuilt PID Circuit minimizes PID impact on PV modules, supporting both daytime anti-PID and nighttime PID recovery, with IP66 protection and no need for external PID boxes—saving cost and maintenance effort.
- String inverters simplify replacement and service, often requiring only localized swaps instead of plant-wide shutdowns.
- The distributed approach reduces single-point-of-failure risks, enhancing plant availability and long-term reliability.
- Optimized Logistics & Civil Costs: IP66-rated, lightweight inverters can be mounted on a stand or wall, eliminating the need for a dedicated room or plinth and reducing transportation costs.
- Advanced PLCC Communication eliminates the need for a separate communication network; only AC cables are required, simplifying installation and maintenance.
While central inverters still dominate very large homogeneous projects due to lower upfront CAPEX per MW, string inverters are increasingly preferred in India for their granular control, adaptability to new module technologies, faster fault isolation, and reduced O&M costs—making them a competitive and often superior alternative.
Q2. With evolving grid codes demanding features like LVRT, reactive power support, and frequency regulation, how are Solis inverters adapting to ensure grid stability and compliance across global markets?
As grid requirements evolve, inverters must comply with local standards to operate efficiently, synchronize with the existing network, and withstand impulses and disturbances. Solis inverters undergo intensive testing to ensure effective grid support during such events.
They are designed with advanced control algorithms and power electronics that allow them to ride through low and high voltage events without disconnecting, maintaining power injection during transient disturbances and supporting grid stability.
Reactive Power & Voltage Support:
Solis inverters provide dynamic reactive power control (both leading and lagging) to regulate voltage at the point of interconnection. Smart reactive power management ensures compliance with local utility requirements and strengthens the grid.
Frequency Regulation & Active Power Control:
They incorporate fast frequency response and adjustable active power curtailment to stabilize grid frequency during fluctuations. Features like droop control and ramp-rate limiting ensure smooth power delivery without stressing the grid.
With flexible firmware and region-specific grid profiles, the same inverter platform can comply with diverse international codes (India, Europe, North America, Australia). Remote upgrades and adaptive control functions further ensure compliance as grid codes evolve.
By integrating intelligent control systems, advanced grid-support features, and adaptable firmware, Solis inverters not only ensure compliance but actively contribute to global grid stability, making them essential for the transition to high-penetration renewable energy.
Q3. Given India’s diverse climate—from high-heat zones to coastal humidity—what technological advancements has Solis implemented in thermal management, protection systems, and durability to maximize inverter uptime and lifespan?
Solis is committed to delivering reliable performance under all environmental conditions. Solis inverters are IP66 and C5 rated, allowing installation in harsh environments while ensuring effective operation.
They feature an internal and external heat exchange design, where the inverter’s internal air ducts connect to the heat sink for efficient heat transfer and improved dissipation. Major components and the heat sink have independent air ducts with bottom inlets and back outlets, cooled by a forced-air fan system. A turbulence fan balances the internal temperature, and the heat sink uses six sets of four 12mm heat pipes made of 1060 aluminum formed with a shovel-tooth process for high efficiency.
Intelligent humidity sensors protect the electronics from moisture and water droplet damage, ensuring safe and stable operation.
All IS and IEC standards are strictly followed, providing protection against faults and supporting durable operation. Combined with the patented thermal management, advanced protection features, and robust design, Solis string inverters offer high uptime and extended lifespan, making them highly reliable across India’s varied climates.
Q4. With energy storage becoming critical for C&I and residential projects, how are Solis hybrid inverters enhancing performance in PV + BESS systems, particularly for peak shaving and energy shifting applications?
Solis hybrid inverters play a crucial role in enhancing the performance of PV + BESS (Battery Energy Storage System) setups for commercial, industrial, and residential projects, particularly for peak shaving and energy shifting applications.
1. Integrated PV + Storage Management
- Solis hybrid inverters manage PV generation and battery storage seamlessly, optimizing energy flow between the grid, PV, and storage.
- Intelligent algorithms determine when to store excess solar energy or discharge the battery to meet load requirements, maximizing self-consumption and reducing grid dependency.
- With the Solis Smart Port function, existing PV plants can be upgraded with hybrid inverters, converting them into energy storage systems.
2. Peak Shaving
- During peak-demand periods, hybrid inverters discharge stored energy to reduce peak grid consumption, helping C&I customers lower demand charges and avoid grid overloads.
- Advanced load forecasting and real-time monitoring allow precise control for efficient peak management.
- Six charge and discharge programs help optimize energy storage, reduce grid import, avoid MD charges, support TOD, manage grid instability, increase installer revenue, and reduce reliance on grid power.
3. Energy Shifting
- Excess solar energy generated during the day can be stored and dispatched during evening or night hours, shifting energy usage to when it is most needed.
- This improves cost savings and enhances grid stability by flattening demand curves.
- The six charge and discharge programs also help manage grid import and export effectively, supporting optimized energy shifting.
4. Enhanced System Flexibility and Reliability
- Modular architecture and multiple MPPTs ensure optimal PV utilization even in partially shaded or distributed systems.
- Built-in protection features and smart communication enable seamless integration with energy management systems (EMS) for residential and industrial applications.
- Parallel operation capability allows PV plant expansion using Solis advanced hardware and software technology, further supporting energy shifting applications.
By integrating intelligent energy management, storage control, and advanced inverter technology, Solis string hybrid inverters enable efficient peak shaving, energy shifting, and grid-friendly operation, making PV + BESS systems highly effective for C&I and residential projects.
Q5. Digital tools are reshaping solar plant operations. How is Solis leveraging AI, IoT, and predictive analytics in its remote monitoring platforms to deliver proactive maintenance and optimize plant performance?
Solis inverters are increasingly leveraging AI, IoT, and predictive analytics to transform solar plant operations, enabling smarter, proactive maintenance and optimized performance.
They allow real-time monitoring of key parameters such as voltage, current, temperature, and energy production. Features like IV curve scanning, string-level monitoring, and effective grid monitoring help operators detect anomalies instantly and reduce the need for on-site inspections.
AI algorithms analyze historical and real-time data to identify underperformance patterns or early signs of component degradation, enabling predictive maintenance that addresses potential failures before they impact energy production. In hybrid systems, AI also helps plan energy requirements efficiently.
Performance Optimization
Machine learning models, combined with Solis’ advanced multi-peak algorithm, optimize MPPT operation, energy yield, and load management, adapting to environmental conditions such as shading, temperature, or module aging.
Predictive insights support energy forecasting, helping operators plan storage dispatch, grid export, and maintenance schedules efficiently.
Proactive Maintenance & Reliability
The platform provides alerts and actionable recommendations, allowing operators to schedule maintenance proactively rather than reactively.
This reduces downtime, improves system availability, and enhances long-term plant performance.
By integrating IoT connectivity, AI analytics, and predictive insights, Solis inverters enable data-driven, proactive management of solar plants, maximizing energy yield, reliability, and operational efficiency.
Q6. As solar penetration rises, safety remains paramount. What latest protection technologies—like arc-fault detection, surge protection, and anti-islanding—are standard in Solis products to ensure reliable and secure operations?
1. Arc-Fault Detection
Solis inverters are equipped with arc-fault detection systems that identify dangerous electrical arcs in PV strings, preventing fire hazards and ensuring the safety of personnel and assets. Solis has advanced its technology with AFCI 2.0, featuring improved hardware and extended detection range.
2. Surge Protection
Integrated surge protection devices (SPDs) safeguard both DC and AC sides from transient overvoltages caused by lightning or grid disturbances, protecting sensitive electronics and extending inverter lifespan.
3. Anti-Islanding Protection
Solis inverters feature anti-islanding protection, automatically disconnecting from the grid during power outages. This prevents back-feeding to the grid, protecting utility personnel and ensuring regulatory compliance. All inverters undergo intensive testing as per IEC 62116.
4. Additional Safety Features
Built-in overcurrent, overvoltage, and thermal protection mechanisms prevent damage under abnormal conditions, following IEC 62019 Part I & II, IEC 62221, IEC 61727, and IS 16169 standards.
IP66 and C5-rated enclosures provide environmental protection against dust, water, and corrosion.
By integrating arc-fault detection, surge protection, anti-islanding, and comprehensive internal safeguards, Solis inverters deliver secure, reliable, and long-lasting solar plant operation, fully compliant with modern safety standards and grid requirements.
Q7. Looking beyond 2025, what are Solis’s R&D priorities—higher power density inverters, modular and scalable architectures, AI-based grid interaction, or innovations beyond conventional inverter technology?
Solis provides comprehensive solutions for on-grid and hybrid PV systems, with advanced monitoring and control capabilities.
The inverters feature a patented cooling system for efficient operation in harsh environments and active temperature sensing on both DC and AC connectors, ensuring safe operation even under loose connections or suboptimal installation practices.
Solis inverters offer reactive power support (Q at circuit) for true 24×7 reactive power delivery, even at night when DC power is unavailable, and inbuilt PID protection safeguards PV panels against potential-induced degradation, enhancing long-term reliability.
For hybrid and energy-shifting applications, Solis provides a prime power hybrid solution, delivering a complete inverter + battery system where customers only need to connect PV, AC, and load cables.
The Solis controller enables centralized monitoring and control of up to 80 inverters, including weather monitoring and integration with AI, digital inputs (DI), and digital outputs (DO) for full PV plant management.
Through SolisCloud, AI-driven monitoring, predictive analytics, and system planning are continuously enhanced, providing a robust, intelligent, and user-friendly interface for optimal PV plant performance.
Solis is committed to delivering an edge across all aspects of PV systems, enabling customers, stakeholders, and developers to achieve safer, more efficient, smarter, and highly responsive solar systems.