ABB solar inverters

for photovoltaic systems

Helping you get more energy
out of every day
 ABBs solar inverter portfolio
Your brightest choice for everything
under the sun

Power plants
In large multi-megawatt photovoltaic (PV) power plants the PV
modules are typically mounted at ground level, either on fixed-
tilted structures facing the sun or on tracking devices. For these
land-based power plants ABB central inverters offer the most
cost-effective solution for PV energy generation by feeding
electricity directly to the medium voltage (MV) power distribution
network (ie grid). ABBs offering for large plants includes a
wide range of central inverters, inverter stations and megawatt
stations.

Commercial and industrial

PV power systems installed on commercial and industrial
buildings represent distributed power generation at its best
close-to-consumption point. In these systems the peak load
typically coincides with maximum PV production and thus
electricity demand from the distribution network can be
reduced during peak daytime hours. This is beneficial as energy
transmission demand and losses in the grid are thus also
reduced. For these applications ABB has advanced multistring
inverters with full flexibility to be used together with smaller string
inverters to meet your required system design.

Small commercial and residential

PV systems are among the few power generation technologies
that can be installed right at the point of consumption, regardless
of the amount of energy demanded. This saves infrastructure
costs for cabling, transformers and switchgear. ABBs string and
multistring inverters make it possible to cover a wide variety of
design needs required in these applications.

Inverter size (kW) 1

2 ABB solar inverters for photovoltaic systems | Brochure
 Big or small, commercial or
residential, utility or industry,
ABB has the power to support you

10 100 2000
Brochure | ABB solar inverters for photovoltaic systems 3
 Meet your bankability and profit targets
with ABB solar inverters

Maximize the return on your We offer a comprehensive portfolio of solar inverters,

from small single-phase string inverters up to large multi-
PV investment with solar megawatt central inverters and inverter stations. Our solar
inverter offering is complemented with turn-key megawatt
inverters designed for high total stations which, in addition to the inverters, also include high-
efficiency, reliability and ease of performance medium voltage (MV) components. Whether
your PV power system is for industrial, commercial or
installation residential buildings or large power plants, ABBs high-quality
solar inverters and services provide optimum return on your
investment.

4 ABB solar inverters for photovoltaic systems | Brochure

Proven inverter technology and reliability
ABB solar inverters utilize over 40 years of experience
and advances in inverter and power converter technology.
This has helped make ABB the world leader in frequency
converters and one of the biggest suppliers of converters for
wind turbines. Proven components and technology platforms
with an established track record ensure maximum reliability
and uptime of any PV plant.
Global presence with local support
Our solar inverters are supported through a worldwide sales
and services network that follows the entire life cycle of the
product from pre-purchase; ordering and delivery; installation
and commissioning; operation and maintenance; upgrade and
retrofit. Wherever your project is located, ABB is your reliable
partner to support you over the whole lifetime of your plant.
Brochure | ABB solar inverters for photovoltaic systems 5
 Large photovoltaic power plants
Superbly cost effective, for
best return on investment
In large multi-megawatt photovoltaic (PV) power plants
the PV modules are typically mounted at ground level, on
fixed-tilted structures or tracking devices facing the sun.
For these land-based power plants ABB central inverters
offer the most cost-effective solution for PV energy
generation by feeding electricity directly to the medium
voltage (MV) grid. ABBs offering for large plants includes
a wide range of central inverters, inverter stations and
megawatt stations. These are supported by ABB MV and
high voltage (HV) grid connection equipment and stations.
6 ABB solar inverters for photovoltaic systems | Brochure
ABB central inverters maximized total efficiency
ABBs central inverter portfolio is based on decades of
experience with power converting technology, which has
now been custom adapted for the PV business. Globally, an
installed base of over 100 GW is built on the same power
converting technology platform used in ABB central inverters.
This ensures you that the product itself, and the processes
to support it over the plant lifetime, are optimized and truly
bankable solutions.
The central inverters industrial design, combined with its
modularity and ABBs life cycle service approach, simplifies
service of the inverters. This assures maximum uptime of
the plant and highest return on your investment. The all-in-
one design approach of the ABB central inverter reduces the
amount of external components needed. All the necessary
alternating current (AC) and direct current (DC) side protections

ABB central inverters
PVS800
100 to 1000 kW
are included so the inverter can be directly connected to
solar array junction boxes and the MV transformer. The high
efficiency, together with high reliability and extremely low
auxiliary power consumption, give investors maximized total
efficiency over the lifetime of the plant.
For PV power plants, ABB provides:
a wide range of transformerless central inverters
complete megawatt station solutions including MV
components
central inverter stations for plug and play connection to
external MV stations
string monitoring junction boxes
communication hardware
remote monitoring portal
extended warranties
solar inverter care service contracts.
Power plants
Commercial
and industrial
Small commercial
and residential
ABB central inverters features and benefits
High total performance High reliability and efficiency with
low auxiliary consumption for rapid return on investment
Advanced grid support functionality Extensive grid code
compatibility with adjustability
Proven technology platform High reliability and long
operating life for secured return on investment
Compact state of the art industrial design Low space
requirement, with fast & easy installation and serviceability for
reduced overall cost
All-in-one design with extensive DC and AC side
protection Ensuring maximum uptime of the plant with
minimum total investment
Life cycle service and support Rapid support anywhere in
the world through ABBs extensive global service network
Brochure | ABB solar inverters for photovoltaic systems 7
 ABB central inverters
PVS800
100 to 1000 kW

Advanced grid support

functionality
provides complete range of
adjustable features to support
High total performance power network stability.
via the inverters high efficiency
level and low auxiliary power
consumption, together with
reliable product design, ensure
that maximum energy is delivered
to the power network.

Proven ABB components

with established track records
ensure high reliability and uptime
of the plant in demanding and
harsh environments.

Modular industrial design

with distinct separate sections,
removable filter and inverter
modules secure easy serviceability
and maintenance over the whole
lifetime of the plant.
Power network compatibility
with the inverters certificates
mean all applicable network
connection requirements can
be met, regardless of where the
project is located.
Easy monitoring
with a complete range of data
communication options to
provide easy access to monitor,
configure and diagnose the
status of the PV systems.

8 ABB solar inverters for photovoltaic systems | Brochure

 Power plants
Commercial
and industrial
Small commercial
and residential

Compact product design

with high power density and very
small footprint reduces the space
needed and simplifies installation
and maintenance.

Junction
boxes

All-in-one design
with extensive DC and AC side
protection, as well as with flexible
DC input section, reduces the
Solar
investment cost and simplifies the inverters
system design.

Certified quality
through well-defined product
development and certified
manufacturing procedures ensure
high-quality inverters.

Brochure | ABB solar inverters for photovoltaic systems 9

 ABB megawatt station
PVS800-MWS
1 to 1.25 MW

Compact and robust design Modular and serviceable

with narrow width and low weight system
makes the container easy to lift with separate inverter and MV
thereby simplifying transportation product compartments. Walk-in Double stage air pre-filtering
and installation. inverter compartment with the at the air inlet reduces the
double floor provides adequate maintenance need.
All components from ABB service space and easy cable
together with ABBs proven access.
technology platform ensure
maximum reliability and uptime
of the PV plant in all conditions.

Integrated concrete foundation High total efficiency

allows fast installation and avoids
the need for additional foundation,
thus reducing the total installation
costs.
Integrated ABB switchgear
from comprehensive MV
switchgear product portfolio
support varying configurations.
Optionally various metering,
protection and control functions
are available.
through optimized container
design and compatible ABB
components secure high
return on investment.
Integrated ABB transformer
from wide dry- and oil-type
transformer product portfolio
secures inverter and transformer
compatibility thus ensuring better
total efficiency and long and
reliable lifetime.

10 ABB solar inverters for photovoltaic systems | Brochure

 Power plants
ABB inverter station Commercial
PVS800-IS and industrial

2 MW Small commercial
and residential

Coming in 2014

Embedded auxiliary power Integrated air filtering system

distribution
gives flexibility to add devices
cost efficiently depending on the
project requirements.
Proven industrial design
maximizes the uptime in varying
locations and harsh environments.
together with options to configure
the system for different climate
conditions makes the station
suitable even for demanding
environments.

Protected working interior

ensures on-site service and
maintenance even in harsh
Extendable manufacturing climate conditions.
footprint
for rapid deliveries with local
content as the design is based Rapid connection to a MV station
on 20 foot container. through simple and easy access for
Compact and robust design cabling reduces installation costs.
based on sea container skeleton
for safe and cost effective
transportation.

Brochure | ABB solar inverters for photovoltaic systems 11

 Commercial and industrial buildings
Smart quality at work for you
Photovoltaic (PV) power systems installed on commercial
and industrial buildings represent distributed power
generation at its best close-to-consumption point. In
these systems the peak load typically coincides with
maximum PV production and thus electricity demand
from the distribution network can be reduced during peak
daytime hours. This is beneficial as energy transmission
demand and losses in the grid are thus also reduced. For
these applications ABB has advanced multistring inverters
with full flexibility to be used together with smaller string
inverters to meet the required system design.
12 ABB solar inverters for photovoltaic systems | Brochure
ABB multistring inverters smart flexibility
In commercial and industrial buildings, the PV modules are
typically mounted on flat roofs of buildings within structures
that are tilted towards the sun. In flat roof installations
the solar availability is quite uniform on the modules but
obstructions on the roof or neighboring buildings can cause
shading. Economically attractive installations can also be built
on car parking shelters and roofings. ABB multistring inverters
are the optimum product for this kind of application, due to
their attractive power range and dual maximum power point
(MPP) tracking system. Even megawatt-size installations can
be designed with technically and economically cost-effective
results.

ABB multistring inverters
PVS580
20 to 25 kW
Coming in 2014
The ABB multistring inverter all-in-one design includes
monitored DC side protection devices with integrated
string-current monitoring, thus reducing the need for costly
external devices. Additionally, the wide DC input voltage
range with high maximum input voltage provides flexibility for
the system designer. ABB multistring inverters also support
connectivity to external monitoring systems through the built-in
communications interface.
For PV systems on commercial and industrial buildings,
ABB supplies:
multistring transformerless inverters
communication and monitoring hardware
remote monitoring portal.
Power plants
Commercial
and industrial
Small commercial
and residential
ABB multistring inverters features and benefits
Configurable all-in-one design with built-in and
monitored protection devices Reduced system cost
Wide input voltage range with dual MPP trackers
Flexibility for system designers
High total efficiency Rapid return on investment
Advanced grid support functions Compatibility with
grid codes
Safe and intuitive user and service interface Fast and
easy commissioning
Robust enclosure, with IP65 rating Suitable for outdoor
installation
Brochure | ABB solar inverters for photovoltaic systems 13
 ABB multistring inverters
PVS580
20 to 25 kW

Coming in 2014 Robust outdoor enclosure

makes inverter suitable even
for harsh conditions and gives
flexibility in choosing installation
location.

High total efficiency

ensures fast return on your
investment.

Wide input voltage range

with multiple MPP trackers
gives flexibility for system
designers when planning
systems, especially for
buildings with irregular PV
array shapes and orientation.

Configurable all-in-one design

with built-in and monitored
protection devices for reduced
system cost. This includes string
fuses, surge protection devices
and DC switch. Also string
current measurement is included.
Product is also available without
these optional protection
devices.
Connectivity to control and
monitoring systems
through the built-in communication
interface enables the visualization
of PV plant performance.

14 ABB solar inverters for photovoltaic systems | Brochure

 Power plants

Commercial
and industrial
Small commercial
and residential

High maximum input voltage

supports cost effective plant
designs.

Junction
boxes

Easy-to-use, detachable Solar

inverters
control unit
with intuitive user and service
interface ensures fast and easy
commissioning.

AC
connection
boxes

Advanced grid support

functions
together with extensive
certification assure grid code
compatibility and wide usability
of the inverter, even on large PV
plants.

Brochure | ABB solar inverters for photovoltaic systems 15

 Small commercial and residential
buildings

All-in-one with ease and

performance
Photovoltaic (PV) systems are among the few power
generation technologies that can be installed right at the
point of consumption, regardless of the amount of energy
demanded. This saves infrastructure costs for cabling,
transformers and switchgear. ABBs string and multistring
inverter offering makes it possible to meet a large variety
of design needs required in these applications with an
all-in-one approach featuring wide flexibility and easy
connectivity.
ABB string inverters compact performance
ABB string inverters provide an optimum solution for small
systems on commercial buildings or large residential systems.
With this flexible inverter it is possible, by selecting the
suitable combination of string inverters, for the designer to
construct a system ranging from a few kW single-inverter
configuration up to hundreds of kW.

16 ABB solar inverters for photovoltaic systems | Brochure


ABB string inverters
PVS300
3.3 to 8 kW
The all-in-one design of ABB string inverters simplifies the
system design and installation and thus reduces the overall
system cost. Also, the wide input voltage range provides
additional flexibility and wider usability of the product
for different kinds of applications. The graphic, intuitive,
detachable control unit, used for onsite system monitoring as
well as integration with the buildings automation system, sets
new standards in user friendliness and ease of use.
For small commercial and residential building, ABB offers:
transformerless string inverters
communication and monitoring hardware
remote monitoring portal
Power plants
Commercial
and industrial
Small commercial
and residential
ABB string inverters features and benefits
High total efficiency High and rapid return on
investment
All-in-one design with built-in and monitored protection
devices Reduced system cost
High maximum input voltage with wide input range
Flexibility for system designers
Detachable control unit with intuitive user and service
interface Fast and easy commissioning
Grid support Compatibility with grid codes
Power balancing with i2i link Three-phase system
configurations possible
Outdoor enclosure, with IP55 protection Suitable for
outdoor installation
Brochure | ABB solar inverters for photovoltaic systems 17
 ABB string inverters
PVS300
3.3 to 8 kW

Easy-to-use, detachable
control unit
with intuitive user and service
Ease of monitoring interface provides fast and
with the control units graphical easy commissioning.
interface simplifies use. Up to
three inverters can be monitored
with one control unit. Monitoring
of larger plants is provided via
SREA-50 Ethernet adapter and
monitoring portal.

Grid support functions

together with extensive
certification assures compatibility
with grid codes.

Wide input voltage range

gives flexibility for system
designers when planning
systems, especially for buildings
with irregular array shapes and
orientation.

Remote control interface

can be programmed to control
e.g. loads to increase the local
consumption.

All-in-one design with built-in

and monitored protection
devices for reduced system cost.
This includes string fuses and
surge protection devices as well
as DC switch.

18 ABB solar inverters for photovoltaic systems | Brochure

 Power plants

Commercial
and industrial

Small commercial
and residential

Compact outdoor enclosure

with IP55 rating gives flexibility for
choosing installation position.

Junction
boxes

Connectivity to control
and monitoring systems
is provided via Modbus interface.
This is especially useful in larger
plants.

Solar
inverters

Power balancing feature with

i2i link
gives flexibility to build three-
phase system configurations.
AC
connection
boxes

Building automation system

connectivity
through SREA-50 remote
monitoring adapter enables
monitoring and diagnosing status
of a PV plant in the KNX building
automation system.

Brochure | ABB solar inverters for photovoltaic systems 19

 Communication and monitoring
for solar inverters
Connecting your needs
with our experience
ABBs solar inverters feature local and remote connection
options based on decades of knowledge and practical
experience of protocols and standards used throughout
industry and building automation.
This vast experience is channeled to create dedicated
products for specific applications. Thus, local and remote
connection options can be readily adapted for large,
medium or small-scale solar power systems. Furthermore,
the modular design of the solar inverters means that the
monitoring options can be fitted to the system during the
initial installation or any time.
20 ABB solar inverters for photovoltaic systems | Brochure
Selection of communication options
Monitoring, configuring or diagnosing the status of the
system is easily carried out within an ABB solar inverter,
either remotely or on site, via various communication options.
At its simplest, an ABB solar inverter can be accessed
via its control unit to undertake configuration changes or
performance evaluations locally.
Remote monitoring options allow ABB solar inverters to be
accessed via the Internet, communicating through a standard
web browser. The adapters are suitable for stand-alone use
with or without Internet and modem connection.
 Monitoring

Services

Centralized monitoring room Secure performance

ABB remote monitoring portal is a database solution to Included among the data that can be monitored, configured or
integrate PV power plants located in remote, inaccessible or analyzed are inverter parameters, module string performance,
unmanned areas. Users with multiple sites benefit by being energy production and weather data. All of this helps the user
able to view performance of each solar site from one central to improve performance of the power plant and maximize the
location. return on investment, whatever form of data communication is
chosen.
It also allows OEMs and system integrators to offer their
customers the ability to check up on any plant, anywhere
in the world at any time of the day. Smooth integration with
ABB remote monitoring options enables rapid commissioning
for system integrators and saves installation costs.

Brochure | ABB solar inverters for photovoltaic systems 21

 Life cycle services for solar inverters
Strong expertise with global presence
The services offered for ABB solar inverters span the
entire value chain of the product from prepurchase to
replacement and recycling. Throughout this value chain,
ABB provides training, technical support and service
contracts. With strong expertise, we ensure that our
customers always get maximum return on investment.
22 ABB solar inverters for photovoltaic systems | Brochure
Prepurchase
We help our customers to select the right inverter and
services for their applications. This ensures higher yield and
performance of the entire system.
Order and delivery
Orders can be placed through any ABB office or through
ABBs channel partners. Ordering online through the web is
also possible. Our sales and service network offers timely
deliveries, including express delivery.
Installation and commissioning
ABB certified engineers can advise or undertake the
installation and commissioning of the solar inverters.
 Monitoring

Services
Con trac t s
al
Technic support
in g an d l e a r n i n
Train g

Replacement Prepurchase
and
recycling

Order
and
Upgrade delivery
and
retrofit

Installation
nstallation
Operation and
and commissioning
maintenance

Operation and maintenance Replacement and recycling

ABB helps ensure a long lifetime for its solar inverters
by providing on-site preventive maintenance. Preventive
maintenance consists of annual inspections and component
replacements according to specific maintenance schedules.
Reconditioning provides more in-depth maintenance which
is carried out at ABBs authorized service workshops.
Reconditioning of the solar inverter includes full inspection,
thorough cleaning, individual component analysis and
replacement, and complete testing.
Upgrade and retrofit
We can advise on the latest hardware and software upgrades
that can continue to maximize the performance of your solar
inverters.
We can also advise on the best replacement inverter while
ensuring that the existing inverter is disposed of in a way that
meets the local environmental regulations.
Value chain services
The services available throughout the entire value chain
include:
Training We offer product and service training both
in classrooms and on the Internet. Training comprises
theoretical lessons as well as practical exercises
Technical support At each stage of the value chain, our
expert is available to offer advice to keep your power plant
operational
Contracts ABB supports its solar inverters through solar
inverter care service contracts

Brochure | ABB solar inverters for photovoltaic systems 23

 Solar inverters around the globe
References Bulgaria - Popeda Germany - ECOS 1&2 Finland - Pitjnmki

50.6 MWp 19.5 MWp 181 kWp

Power plant Power plant Commercial/industrial
20/110 kV grid 1 20 kV grid 4 LV grid 7

Romania - Stanesti Italy - Borgo Montello Switzerland - Power Tower

7.5 MWp 3 MWp 141 kWp

Power plant Power plant Commercial/industrial
MV grid 2 MV grid 5 LV grid 8

UK - Malmesbury Slovakia - Sirkovce France

4.99 MWp 1 MWp 90 kWp

Power plant Power plant Commercial/industrial
33 kV grid 3 22 kV grid 6 LV grid 9

Sales and
service offices

11

12

24 ABB solar inverters for photovoltaic systems | Brochure

Greece - Domokos South Africa - Soutpan Thailand - Ubonrachathani Taiwan

5.9 MW 30.9 MWp 5 MWp 475 kWp

Power plant Power plant Power plant Commercial/industrial
MV grid 10 MV grid 13 22 kV grid 16 22 kV grid 19

Mexico - San Luis Potosi India - Mithapur Japan China

1.2 MWp 17 MW 701 kWp 10 MW

Commercial/industrial Power plant Power plant Power plant
13.2 MV grid 11 MV grid 14 6.6 kV grid 17 MV grid
20

Argentina India - Gujarat Japan Australia - Harvey Bay

26 kWp 15 MW 2 MWp 266 kWp

Commercial/industrial Power plant Power plant Commercial/industrial
LV grid 12 MV grid 15 MV grid 18 LV grid 21

3
4
6
9 8 2
5 1
18
10
17
20
19
14 15
16

21
13

Brochure | ABB solar inverters for photovoltaic systems 25

 All photovoltaic products
from one supplier

Products for inverter stations

ABB manufactures and supplies a broad range of high quality requirement. Additionally our offering includes products for
medium voltage (MV) products suitable for connecting solar high voltage (HV) grid connection.
inverters to power distribution network.

These products include dry-type and liquid-filled transformers

and a wide range of switchgear suitable to almost any

MV switchgear Transformers
e.g. ABB SafeRing and Dry-type and liquid-filled
SafePlus transformers

26 ABB solar inverters for photovoltaic systems | Brochure

Products for tracking Asynchronous and
brushless motors
M3AA, 9C
Our product portfolio for photovoltaic (PV) tracking devices
includes all key components, such as drives, motors, PLCs
and other low voltage (LV) products required by the tracker
manufacturer for accurate and reliable performance.

Low voltage AC drives Programmable logic

ACS55, ACS150, controllers
ACS355 and ACSM1 AC500 CPU
- Range 0.18 to 160 kW

Low voltage products

Our complete range of reliable LV products dedicated for
PV applications are able to meet all PV specific installation
requirements. Our products cover among other things
switching, protection, metering and monitoring as well as
enclosures.

Fuse holders Miniature circuit

E 90 PV breakers
S800 PV-S

Residual current Surge protective

devices devices
F200 PV-B OVR PV

Switches and breakers Junction box

OT and Tmax PV

Brochure | ABB solar inverters for photovoltaic systems 29

Contact us

3AUA0000057127 REV E 29.5.2013 #16728

For more information please contact Copyright 2013 ABB. All rights reserved.
Specifications subject to change without notice.
your local ABB representative or visit:

www.abb.com/solar
www.abb.com