General Electric Company and Sparq Systems Partner to Build New-Generation Solar Electric Microinverter System and AC Module

Sparq Systems and General Electric Company (NYSE:GE) have partnered to begin creating a next-generation microinverter system and AC Module solution. Sparq Systems, a provider of solar microinverter solutions, also licensed a portfolio of GE applied and granted patents.
According to the press release:

By combining GE’s intellectual property and support with Sparq’s own designs for next-generation microinverters, Sparq will be able to produce a new kind of AC Module. Much more than simply a microinverter bolted to the module frame, this solution will replace today’s junction box and comply with new grid requirements such as delivering adjustable reactive power and other grid stabilizing functions that are found around the world and now in California under the “Rule 21” requirements. This solution will finally enable the simplest deployment of solar, where the module and inverter are one, saving time and money for installers and utilities in the future.

John Vogel, Vice President of Technology Development at GE Ventures, said:

The Microinverter and AC Module that GE Global Research is designing with Sparq can change the way solar is deployed around the world by improving grid stability and resilience. Sparq Systems’ capabilities and innovation in the area of digitally-controlled power conversion are unmatched in the industry today.

Sparq CEO Mike Fister also commented:

We are excited to be working with GE to collaborate on such an important advance in PV system architecture and design,” said Mike Fister, CEO of Sparq Systems. “By combining our formidable intellectual capital and power system design expertise, we will bring to market a compelling solar energy generation solution that rivals all others in terms of system cost, operational simplicity, and its role as a stabilizing force for an increasingly complex power generation and distribution infrastructure.

Click here to read the full press release.