Cree MOSFETs claim solar power record (98.5% efficient inverters)

Jan 18, 2008

Cree MOSFETs claim solar power record

German researchers show that Cree's SiC components can make the green technology a little bit greener by pushing DC-AC conversion efficiency up to 98.5 percent.

The most efficient electrical inverters yet for linking photovoltaic systems to the power grid have been made by the Fraunhofer Institute for Solar Energy Systems, using Cree SiC technology.

The MOSFET-based inverters operate at a maximum efficiency of 98.5 percent and dissipate 30 to 50 percent less waste energy than rival silicon transistors, which operate at less than 98 percent efficiency.

The effectiveness of the prototype Cree devices is even more impressive as Fraunhofer ISE says that this is the first time SiC transistors have ever been tested for this application – although combinations of SiC diodes and thyristors have been used before (see related story).

The inverters convert the solar cell's direct current output into alternating current that is hooked up to public electricity grids. A good inverter needs to retain high efficiency over a wide range of power levels, and again Cree’s SiC components set a new precedent in this regard.

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