Solar Microinverters and Power Optimizers Shift Tactics to Sell More Solar AC and Smart Modules

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The business model of microinverter and power optimizer suppliers is set to shift from standalone units to integrated systems, such as Smart and AC modules, according to new analysis released today by IHS Markit, a world leader in critical information, analytics and solutions.#

The annual IHS Technology PV Microinverter and Power Optimizer Report examines market size, pricing and vendor market share. It forecasts revenue for Smart and AC modules will jump from under $100 million in 2015 to almost $500 million by 2020.

“Suppliers are shifting their business model from selling stand-alone products to selling an off-the-shelf integrated model,” said Cormac Gilligan, research manager at IHS Technology. “This will help them capture new emerging markets, improve sales channel efficiencies and lower customer costs.

Microinverters and power optimizers will increasingly be installed in the factory in the form of AC and Smart Modules, the IHS Technology report said.

“Purchasing one unit is more attractive for customers than purchasing multiple parts and installing them one by one, and the market is adapting to that demand,” Gilligan said.

Global trends and adoption drivers

The United States is the top market for microinverters and power optimizers, but Asian and European markets such as China, Japan, Australia, Germany, France and the Netherlands are forecast to experience strong demand over the next five years.

The market for Smart and AC modules will grow from less than 200 MW in 2015 to over 4 GW in 2020 as integrated products become favored in the global market, IHS Technology predicts.

“Growth will be driven by cost efficiencies gained from manufacturing through to the installation, and by sales channels shifting to module suppliers, which will develop more high-volume buyers,” Gilligan said. “While this trend is predicted to be more certain for microinverter suppliers because of the strong cost benefit and the current need to lower prices, the shift in the power optimizer market will be dampened by leading Chinese suppliers looking to enter the market with low-cost non-integrated solutions in 2017.”

Smart Technology – New diversification opportunities

The growth of the smart home technology market may provide an opportunity for Module Level Power Electronic (MLPE) suppliers to enter new markets and extend their partnership networks, according to the IHS Technology report.

“Policies and standards will be a significant driver of MLPE adoption and associated module integrated solutions over the next five years, particularly in the United States,” said Camron Barati, solar analyst at IHS Technology. “The 2017 update to the United States National Electric Code will standardize safety requirement applications in state markets. This will ultimately incentivize the use of microinverters and power optimizers for rooftop applications. Technology giants such as Apple, Google, Amazon, Huawei, AT&T and Comcast also provide solutions for the smart home market and, therefore, opportunities for MLPE suppliers to engage with wider audiences.”

About IHS Technology PV Microinverters and Power Optimizers Report - 2016

This is the eighth edition of the highly regarded IHS Technology report on microinverters and power optimizers. It was researched over six months and provides the only detailed and reliable assessment of the global market. The report has been compiled using the company’s extensive knowledge and experience in the PV and power electronics industries.

About IHS Markit

IHS Markit is a world leader in critical information, analytics and solutions for the major industries and markets that drive economies worldwide. The company delivers next-generation information, analytics and solutions to customers in business, finance and government, improving their operational efficiency and providing deep insights that lead to well-informed, confident decisions. IHS Markit has more than 50,000 key business and government customers, including 85 percent of the Fortune Global 500 and the world’s leading financial institutions. Headquartered in London, IHS Markit is committed to sustainable, profitable growth.