How SolarEdge is Pushing the Envelope in Solar Optimization with Chris Thompson | EP169

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Today on the Clean Power Hour, host Tim Montague sits down with Chris Thompson, VP of Product at SolarEdge to discuss SolarEdge's innovative approach to solar optimization, Chris' fascinating career journey in clean energy, and how he eventually landed at SolarEdge. 

Chris Thompson has had a lifelong fascination with electrical power systems. He started his career in the 1990s working on uninterruptible power supplies and data center power systems. In the early 2000s, Chris joined a venture capital firm that invested in some of the first solar startups and innovative battery companies like A123.

Chris later joined solar inverter companies like Xantrex and helped push the industry toward module-level electronics and power optimization. After learning the hard lessons of solar evolution, Chris brought his expertise to SolarEdge over 3 years ago. He has helped the company expand its optimized inverter systems to new power classes for residential, commercial, and utility-scale projects.

Chris explains how SolarEdge's module-level power electronics regulate voltage and provide valuable module-level data. He also discusses how their highly efficient inverters and optimizers are designed to withstand extreme rooftop temperatures.

We also discuss trends like electric vehicle charging integration and software platforms that connect solar, storage, and building controls.

If you want to understand SolarEdge's unique approach to solar and hear from one of the industry's veterans, don't miss this great episode!

Key Takeaways

1. What is the origin story behind SolarEdge's DC-optimized inverter architecture?
2. How does SolarEdge's system maximize energy harvest and reliability compared to microinverters?
3. How is SolarEdge using module-level data across residential, commercial, and utility solar?
4. How is SolarEdge innovating on safety, such as with connector temperature monitoring?
5. What is SolarEdge's vision for integrated platforms across solar, storage, EVs, and building controls?
6. How does Chris view the evolution of the solar industry over his long career?

Chris Thompson
SolarEdge

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The Clean Power Hour is brought to you by CPS America, maker of North America’s number one 3-phase string inverter, with over 6GW shipped in the US. With a focus on commercial and utility-scale solar and energy storage, the company partners with customers to provide unparalleled performance and service. The CPS America product lineup includes 3-phase string inverters from 25kW to 275kW, exceptional data communication and controls, and energy storage solutions designed for seamless integration with CPS America systems. Learn more at www.chintpowersystems.com