Advanced inverter technology powers a brighter renewable future

From hybrid inverters to AI-driven technologies, the innovations are redefining energy production and consumption in unimaginable ways.

As the world increasingly turns toward renewable energy to combat climate change and achieve sustainability, inverters have become central to managing the smooth integration of solar power into the grid. Traditionally considered a simple device to convert DC to AC, modern inverters have evolved into sophisticated systems that manage energy efficiently, stabilise grids and play a crucial role in power generation from renewable sources. From hybrid inverters to AI-driven technologies, these innovations transform energy production and consumption in unimaginable ways. Let us take a closer look at the advancements in inverter technology and how the companies in the sector are leading the charge.

Power Factor Correction and Hybrid Inverters

Power factor correction (PFC) is a fundamental engineering concept that often goes unnoticed but is crucial for efficient grid functioning. A poor power factor leads to unnecessary energy losses and places an added burden on grid infrastructure. “When the power factor is low, you are drawing more current than necessary to do the same work, hence reducing losses and burdening the grid and transformer infrastructure,” says Ganesh Moorthi, Chief Technology Officer at Luminous Power Technologies.

Luminous has been at the forefront of this issue by designing solar inverters with a near-unity power factor for hybrid and on-grid systems. This innovative design helps utilities manage voltage levels more effectively, reduce line losses, and provide fewer interruptions, especially in areas with a high concentration of residential solar. Moorthi explains, “At Luminous, we make solar inverters in such a way that they have a near-unity power factor even under dynamic load conditions.”

The impact of such technologies is especially felt in hybrid inverters, which combine the benefits of grid and solar power systems. These inverters intelligently manage multiple energy sources, prioritising solar when available to reduce grid dependency and lower operational costs. Manoj Jain, Director of Microtek, emphasises the importance of hybrid inverters in enhancing substation efficiency. “Hybrid inverters enhance the efficiency of substations that rely on grid and solar power by intelligently managing multiple energy sources. During low solar generation or grid outages, stored energy from batteries can be utilised, ensuring an uninterrupted power supply,” says Jain.

Hybrid inverters can also support peak shaving, using battery power during high-demand periods to reduce stress on the grid. This feature optimises energy consumption and ensures voltage and frequency stability. PFC techniques incorporated into these systems enhance grid stability, reduce energy losses, and improve power quality. By aligning the input current with the input voltage, PFC minimises reactive power, ensuring cleaner voltage waveforms, better performance of grid-connected devices and smoother power delivery.

Managing Bidirectional Energy Flow

In India’s evolving energy landscape, substations are transitioning from passive components to active players. Substations must manage bidirectional energy flow by integrating distributed energy sources like rooftop solar. “Substations these days are no longer merely passive energy transfer points. With the advent of distributed energy sources such as rooftop solar, substations deal with bidirectional flow,” explains Ganesh Moorthi.

This shift brings challenges, particularly when handling under-voltage, over-voltage, and frequency fluctuations. Hybrid inverters act as intelligent gateways, making real-time decisions about how much energy to draw from the grid, how much to source from solar, and when to switch to battery power. This real-time decision-making helps manage demand response, minimise energy exports, and efficiently conserve energy.

Luminous, for instance, has developed inverters that can handle a wide input voltage range from as low as 180V to as high as 290V. “We also use real-time monitoring and fast-switching technology that immediately adjusts the output voltage to keep it safe for appliances,” Moorthi adds. This kind of voltage regulation is crucial for protecting household devices and critical infrastructure from fluctuating grid conditions, especially in semi-urban and rural areas where grid stability can be a persistent issue.

AI-Powered Inverters

Artificial intelligence (AI) is increasingly important in the evolving inverter technology. Modern inverters are no longer merely converters; they are becoming energy intelligence units that integrate with energy management systems and provide real-time analytics. This AI-driven approach allows for smarter load balancing, predictive maintenance and even remote diagnostics, enhancing the reliability and efficiency of power systems.

“Inverters are no longer just seen as backup or export devices; they are being looked at as energy intelligence units,” says Ganesh Moorthi. “AI is the brain behind the inverter. It learns from usage patterns, predicts when an outage might occur, and optimises charging accordingly.”

For example, if the system learns that power cuts usually happen in the evenings, it will ensure the battery is charged more aggressively during the day. AI also helps prioritise energy usage, deciding which appliances to run and when. For substations, AI can scale up to provide grid-level insights, flag anomalies before they become faults, and enable remote adjustments. This AI-driven approach represents the future of proactive energy intelligence and reactive power management.

Manoj Jain further underscores the role of AI in modern inverters. “AI-driven inverters, like the Microtek Luxe WiFi model, enhance real-time power management by continuously analysing usage patterns, load demands and grid conditions,” he explains. These smart inverters use AI to make instant decisions, optimising power flow between the battery and the grid to ensure efficient and uninterrupted power supply.

Advanced Battery Management Systems (BMS)

Another key innovation in inverter technology is the integration of advanced Battery Management Systems (BMS). “BMS play a critical role in enhancing the longevity, performance, and safety of inverter batteries. Su-Kam integrates Modern BMS to improve these,” says Sanchit Sekhwal Goyal, Director at Su-Kam Power Systems.

Su-Kam’s BMS monitors key battery parameters, including voltage, temperature and charge cycles, to prevent overcharging and deep discharge. This results in maximum energy storage efficiency and extended battery life. Moreover, the system offers real-time alerts and diagnostics, enabling users to maintain their batteries properly and reduce maintenance costs. By distributing the charge evenly among battery cells, the BMS ensures that each cell operates within its optimal range, improving safety and efficiency.

Future of Solar Inverter and Energy Storage Systems

The solar inverter and energy storage market is undergoing rapid changes driven by technological advancements, regulatory changes, and the growing adoption of renewable energy. Varun Haritash, Senior Marketing Manager-South Asia at Sungrow India Pvt Ltd states, “The solar inverter and energy storage market is evolving rapidly due to technological advancements, regulatory changes, and the increasing adoption of renewable energy.”

In the next 3 to 5 years, solar-plus-storage systems are expected to become a standard requirement for major bidding companies. As the demand for solar energy increases, inverters with grid-forming capabilities will become more common, contributing to improved grid stability and resilience. These systems will reduce dependence on traditional power plants while enhancing the overall efficiency of solar power generation.

Sungrow, a global leader in solar inverter technology, is already pushing the boundaries with advanced, high-efficiency inverters and energy storage systems. Sungrow’s flexible “1+X” modular inverters, high-efficiency SG320HX-20 string inverters, and the PowerTitan 2.0 energy storage system are just a few innovations driving the market forward. Additionally, Sungrow has maintained a strong market presence in India, with over 14.3 GW of solar inverters supplied in 2024, capturing nearly 50 percent of the utility segment. The company’s investment in local manufacturing capacity is aligned with India’s “Make in India” initiative, ensuring that it can cater to the growing demand for residential solar and battery energy storage systems (BESS).

Contributing to Clean Energy Transition in India

Transition to renewable energy in India is a critical part of its strategy to reduce carbon emissions and meet its ambitious targets of 500 GW of non-fossil fuel capacity by 2030. Companies like Sungrow are playing a significant role in this transition. “As a global leader in solar inverter technology and proudly holding the largest market share in India, Sungrow is a driving force behind the nation’s ambitious pursuit of 500 GW of non-fossil fuel capacity by 2030,” says Varun Haritash.

Sungrow’s focus on developing efficient and reliable inverter solutions is helping to shape India’s clean energy future. By working closely with solar project developers and providing cutting-edge inverter technologies, Sungrow contributes to a cleaner, greener future for the country. These efforts are complemented by their robust manufacturing capabilities, which ensure that the company can meet the growing demand for renewable energy solutions in India.

The future of energy is undoubtedly renewable, and advanced inverter technologies are at the heart of this transition. From near-unity power factor correction to AI-driven systems and advanced battery management, companies like Luminous, Su-Kam, Microtek, and Sungrow are pushing the boundaries of what inverters can do. These innovations are making energy systems smarter and more resilient, efficient and sustainable. As the demand for renewable energy grows, the role of inverters will become even more critical in ensuring the smooth integration of solar power into the grid. By improving power quality, managing bidirectional energy flow, and leveraging AI to optimise energy usage, these technologies are helping to create a more stable and reliable power infrastructure. Through continued investment in research and development, the future of inverter technology looks bright, promising a cleaner, greener, and more energy-efficient world.