Photovoltaics

Eaton Expands its Photovoltaic (PV) Product Range

Vienna … As one of the leading manufacturers of components and systems for electrical engineering and automation, Eaton is launching a new generation of Power Inverters as well as DC and AC Switchgear Series for Photovoltaic Applications in Residential Building.

Eaton has completed its portfolio for PV applications in the residential home building sector: From the PV module up to the public grid, Eaton offers everything from a single source for the AC and the DC side - as well as the power inverter. The new power inverter series is available from 1500W to 4600W and 6000W (Italy). The DC switchgear series, designed for DC voltages up to 1000V, comprises DC switch-disconnectors, DC string protective circuit-breakers and DC overvoltage protection. Eaton offers a powerful AC switchgear series for AC tasks, including the new digital residual-current circuit-breaker.

The power inverter completes Eatons extensive PV product portfolio. The power inverter is a core component in any photovoltaic system. This converts the DC current of PV generators into AC current. As this is a power inverter that is integrated in the supply grid, the optimum output current amplitude depends on the power supplied by the PV generator.

In Europe, the present demand for photovoltaic systems is particularly strong. The Eaton power inverter has been specially developed for the requirements in the EMEA and is sold in France, Italy, the Czech Republic, Poland, Germany, Austria and Switzerland for residential applications up to 6000W.

Power inverter series for AC ratings up to 6000W

In order that any owner of a photovoltaic system can measure precisely how high the current yield is and how much current his own power station is actually producing, an xComfort radio transmitter passes on the data of the power inverter to a room manager with a power management function, directly in the living room. Here the data can be read conveniently from the display.

The ISG PV power inverter is available in five versions with IP43 protection for indoor use, and in two versions with IP65 (ISG series for indoor and outdoor use). All ISG variants are easy to install and equally easy to operate. ISG power inverters have an integrated LCD display that shows the entire status information, which can also be called. Eaton placed considerable importance on an elegant, modern and compact design for the power inverter with minimum dimensions. Eaton PV power inverters offer a higher power capacity and a greater efficiency than similar products of the same size. The highly reliable Eaton power inverter is maintenance free and is designed with convection cooling. Its quiet operation runs without the need for fan. Other features include a very high efficiency of up to 96% as well as an MPPT (Maximum Power Point Tracking). A technically outstanding PV power inverter must after all be able to achieve maximum power from any PV generator in different conditions.

The ISG series is provided as standard with a USB interface. Another product feature is an integrated separate isolating switch (ENS to VDE 0126-1-1/ DK5940).

DC switch-disconnectors up to 63A

Eaton offers its P-SOL DC switch-disconnectors for rated currents up to 63A. The solar plants are connected via special solar plug connectors, and these are also used for the power inverter connection to the enclosed switch-disconnectors. Depending on the power required, two, four or eight solar strings can be connected on the incoming side via MC3 or MC4 connectors, depending on the power required. Alternatively, versions are available for direct terminal connection and cable inlets using M12, M16 or M20 cable glands. Eaton offers prefabricated solutions for different system configurations, thus eliminating the need for Y cables. The rugged housing material also allows mounting in the protected outdoor area. Integrated pressure compensation elements prevent condensation. All enclosed switch-disconnectors are TÜV-approved.

DC string protective circuit-breakers up to 25A

The FCFDC10DI-SOL fuse switch-disconnector reliably protects PV strings with a maximum rated current of 25A and up to 1000V DC from overload and short-circuit. It is designed as a modular rail-mounted device for top hat rail mounting in service distribution boards and is available as a single-pole (1 width module) and two-pole (2 width module) version. A further product variant indicates with a flashing light (LED) that a fuse has tripped. Cylindrical fuse links from 2 to 25A are also included in the range.

PKZ-SOL fuseless string protective circuit-breakers with an overload and short-circuit release are suitable for use in all currently available PV system configurations and are rail mounted in PV terminal boxes. Designed for operating currents up to 63A and 900 VDC, PKZ-SOL circuit-breakers can also be combined with components such as terminals or lightning protection equipment. If required users can fit optional shunt or undervoltage releases in order to implement remote tripping.

DC overvoltage protection

The SPPT2PA DC overvoltage protection is particularly suitable for PV applications and protects the system from momentary overvoltages caused by indirect lightning. Designs are available for grounded and ungrounded installations. Thanks to the spark gaps, galvanic isolation is ensured in ungrounded systems. The units can be prewired and supplied as ready-to-use connection units in the terminal boxes with protection class II, IP65, so they only have to be connected.

AC switchgear series

On the AC side, Eaton guarantees its customers personnel and system protection using proven residual current circuit-breakers and miniature circuit-breakers, as well as overvoltage protection.

A special highlight is the use of the dRCM digital residual current circuit-breaker, which not only offers reliable protection against nuisance tripping but also warns in advance of the presence of a residual current. This enables any impending trip to be dealt with in good time, as well as preventing the failure of the in-house energy production.

Eaton Industries GmbH
Electrical Sector
Hein-Moeller-Straße 7-11
53115 Bonn
Phone: +49 (0)228 602-0
Fax: +49 (0)228 602-2275
E-Mail: PresseEGBonn@Eaton.com
Internet: www.moeller.net

Please direct your enquiries to:
Corporate Communications, Phone: +49 (0)228 602-2915

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Eaton's Moeller Business

Since April 2008, Moeller has been a part of the Eaton Electrical Sector of the Eaton Corporation, a diversified power management company with 70,000 employees and an annual turnover of about US$ 11.9 billion in 2009. www.eaton.com/moellerproducts

Eaton's electrical sector

Eaton's electrical sector is a global leader in power distribution, power quality, control and industrial automation products and services. Eaton's global electrical product lines, including Cutler-Hammer®, Moeller®, Powerware®, Holec®, MEM®, Santak®, and MGE Office Protection Systems™ provide customer-driven PowerChain Management® solutions to serve the power system needs of the data center, industrial, institutional, government, utility, commercial, residential, and OEM markets worldwide.

Eaton Corporation

Eaton Corporation is a diversified power management company with 2009 sales of $11.9 billion. Eaton is a global technology leader in electrical components and systems for power quality, distribution and control; hydraulics components, systems and services for industrial and mobile equipment; aerospace fuel, hydraulics and pneumatic systems for commercial and military use; and truck and automotive drivetrain and powertrain systems for performance, fuel economy and safety. Eaton has approximately 70,000 employees and sells products to customers in more than 150 countries. For more information, visit

For more information, visit www.eaton.com.