starpower Solution 2

Application

Description

Complete power solution for solar photovoltaic inverters using Starpower IGBT and SiC modules

Core Advantages

Performance Optimized for best performance

Reliability Designed for long-term operation

Support Full technical support provided

Integration Easy system integration

Quality High-quality components

Recommended Bill of Materials (BOM)

Item	Part Number	Description	Quantity	Datasheet
1	GD100HFL120C2S	1200V 100A IGBT module for 50-75kW inverters	6	📄 Download
2	GD50HFL120C1S	1200V 50A IGBT module for MPPT boost converter	8	📄 Download
3	2ED020I12-FI	IGBT gate driver with isolation	6	📄 Download

Applications

Residential string inverters

Commercial rooftop systems

Utility-scale plants

Energy storage systems

Technical Specifications

D C Input Voltage

200-1000VDC (MPPT range)

A C Output Voltage

380-480VAC three-phase

Power Range

3kW to 150kW

Efficiency

>98.5% peak (SiC), >98% (IGBT)

Switching Frequency

16-50kHz

Operating Temperature

-25°C to +60°C ambient

Customer Success Stories

Solar Power Systems |

Challenge

Needed 100kW commercial inverter with >98.5% efficiency and compact size

Solution

Used GD100HFL120C2S IGBT modules in T-type three-level topology

Results

Achieved 98.7% max efficiency, 40% smaller than previous design, IEC 62109 certified

"Starpower IGBT modules delivered the performance and reliability we needed for our commercial inverter line."

Renewable Energy |

Challenge

Developing next-gen 50kW residential inverter with highest power density

Solution

Implemented using GDS100M12B1 SiC modules at 50kHz switching frequency

Results

Achieved 98.9% efficiency, 50% smaller magnetics, 25% lower cooling requirements

"SiC modules from Starpower enabled us to create the most compact residential inverter in the market."

FAE Expert Insights

FAE Team

Field Application Engineer

Professional Insights

This solution provides excellent performance for target applications.

Key Takeaways

Follow design guidelines
Consider environmental factors

Recommendations

For 50kW+ inverters: Consider three-level topology for best efficiency
Use SiC modules for new designs to achieve highest power density
Implement proper derating for 60°C ambient operation
Plan for 25-year life with conservative thermal design

Ready to Implement This Solution?

Contact our FAE team for design support and quotes

Frequently Asked Questions

What topology is recommended for a 100kW solar inverter using Starpower modules?

For a 100kW solar inverter, we recommend a T-type three-level NPC topology using GD100HFL120C2S IGBT modules: (1) DC-AC stage: T-type three-level inverter with 6x GD100HFL120C2S (2 per phase). This topology offers >98.5% efficiency with 1000V DC input. (2) MPPT stage: Interleaved boost using 2x GD50HFL120C1S for wide voltage range. (3) Grid filter: LCL filter designed for 16kHz switching frequency. Alternative: Use two-level topology with SiC modules (GDS100M12B1) at 32kHz for higher power density but slightly higher cost. The T-type NPC provides best efficiency and EMI performance for this power level with IGBT modules.

Contact our FAE team for topology selection and inverter design optimization.

How do I select between IGBT and SiC modules for solar inverters?

Selection between IGBT and SiC modules for solar inverters depends on priorities: (1) Cost-sensitive applications: Use IGBT (GD100HFL120C2S) with 16kHz switching. Achieves >98% efficiency at lower cost. (2) Premium/high-density applications: Use SiC (GDS100M12B1) with 32-50kHz switching. Achieves >98.5% efficiency with 30-40% smaller magnetics. (3) Hybrid approach: Use SiC for MPPT boost (high-frequency) and IGBT for inverter (lower frequency) for cost-performance balance. (4) 1500V systems: SiC preferred due to lower switching losses at higher voltage. ROI analysis: SiC adds ~15-20% module cost but reduces system cost by 10-15% through smaller passive components and cooling. For 25-year life, SiC's higher efficiency provides additional energy revenue.

Contact our FAE team for cost-benefit analysis and module selection guidance.

What thermal design considerations are important for solar inverters?

Thermal design for solar inverters with Starpower modules: (1) Ambient temperature: Design for 60°C worst-case with full solar irradiance. (2) Heatsink design: Target RthSA of 0.15-0.25K/W for 100A modules at full load in 60°C ambient. (3) Cooling: Forced air cooling with 200-400CFM airflow typically required

natural convection only for low power (<10kW). (4) Thermal interface: High-performance TIM essential for reliable heat transfer over 25-year life. (5) Temperature derating: Plan for 80% current at 60°C ambient. (6) Hot spot management: Ensure uniform cooling across all modules

avoid temperature gradients >10°C between modules. (7) Thermal monitoring: Use module NTC for over-temperature protection at 100°C heatsink temperature. Example calculation: GDS100M12B1 at 100A, 60°C ambient, RthSA=0.2K/W: Tj = 60 + 120W × (0.4+0.2+0.1) = 60 + 84 = 144°C (acceptable with margin).

Contact our FAE team for thermal simulation and cooling system design.

How do I design the MPPT boost stage for wide voltage range?

MPPT boost stage design for wide voltage range (200-1000V) using Starpower modules: (1) Topology: Interleaved boost converter with 2 phases for >50kW to reduce current ripple. (2) Module selection: GD50HFL120C1S (50A) for boost switch

GDR200A12 (200A) for boost diode or use synchronous rectification with second IGBT. (3) Inductor design: Calculate for 20-30% current ripple at minimum input voltage. For 100kW, 200V input: L = V × dt / dI = 200V × 25μs / 15A = 333μH. (4) Switching frequency: 16kHz for IGBT, 50kHz for SiC. (5) MPPT algorithm: Perturb and observe with 0.5% voltage step for stable tracking. (6) Efficiency: Target >99% for boost stage alone. (7) Protection: Input overvoltage (1100V), overcurrent (150% rated), and reverse polarity protection. Starpower modules' low switching losses enable high-frequency operation for compact boost designs.

Contact our FAE team for MPPT boost design and component selection.