EQ in Exclusive Conversation With Mr. Sunesh Menon – Technical Manager India, Growatt

EQ: What are your current product / technology offerings?

SM: Growatt is a global leading manufacturer of PV inverters and energy storage solutions. We cater to the Indian market with a versatile range of on-grid PV string inverters from 1kW to 350kW. As part of our ongoing expansion, we are introducing new products across residential, commercial & industrial, and utility segments, providing customers with a broader selection to meet their specific energy needs. In addition to on-grid solutions, we focus on solar-plusstorage systems, offering capacities from 600W to 1MW and storage from 2kWh to 2MWh. Our latest innovation, the micro-inverter NEO series, delivers robust performance in a compact design, with options from 0.6kW to 2kW—perfect for applications facing mismatch losses or space constraints. Recognizing the growing demand in the electric vehicle (EV) sector, we have also expanded into the EV market. Growatt now offers AC EV chargers with power ranges from 7kW to 22kW and DC EV fast chargers from 20kW to 200kW. At Growatt, we are dedicated to innovation and technology, offering a wide range of products that empower our customers in their transition to clean energy.

EQ: What are the product launch plans for this year?

SM: At Growatt, we are always striving to bring the latest innovations to our customers. Building on the overwhelming success of our residential X series inverters, we are excited to introduce the upgraded X2 Pro and X2 Pro E series. These new models are designed to meet the demands of the evolving solar industry, incorporating the latest advancements in panel technology. Available in a range from 1kW to 6kW in single phase and 3kW to 15kW in three phase.

Now supporting 18A and 20A, making these inverters compatible with almost all of the latest high-efficiency panels on the market. These enhancements ensure that our inverters remain at the forefront of residential solar technology, providing superior performance and broader compatibility for our customers. Another exciting product to be launched this year is MAX 320~350KTL3-X HV inverters for utility segment. It offers an impressive 99.03% maximum efficiency, making it an economically viable solution for large-scale projects. Ideal for large solar installations with a DC/AC ratio of 1.5. Features 6 independent MPPTs, supporting up to 5 strings per MPPT, with a wide voltage range of 500V to 1500V. Accepts up to 75A per MPPT, perfect for high-wattage PV panels.

EQ: Please tell us more about your company, directors in detail?

SM: Energy fuels our cultural and economic development, and in the long term, the future of humanity and civilization hinges on sustainable energy sources. Driven by a vision to create a green and sustainable future, a group of pioneers in the global photovoltaic (PV) industry, led by David Ding, founded Growatt in 2011. Team Growatt’s mission for enabling everyone benefit from sustainable energy drives our commitment to delivering high-quality products and services to customers worldwide. In just a decade, Growatt has rapidly emerged as a global leader in distributed energy solutions. Today, Growatt is the No.1 supplier of residential inverters in Asia and ranks among the top five suppliers of PV inverters globally. Our shared vision with global partners to build the world’s largest intelligent sustainable energy ecosystem for human kind.

EQ: What products are you displaying at REI this year?

SM: We are excited about the upcoming edition of REI, taking place at the India Expo Center in Greater Noida from October 3rd to 5th, 2024. This year, we will continue to showcase a wide array of PV inverters and storage solutions designed to help homeowners and businesses meet their sustainability targets, including the following key offerings:

Starting with our residential products, we will be featuring the NEO 2000M-X micro-inverter, which allows users to optimize power at the module level. Our X2 Pro and X2 Pro E models from the MIC, MIN, and MOD ranges will be displayed as well. These inverters, with a high current capacity of 18A/20A, are compatible with almost all panels currently available in the industry. For commercial and industrial (C&I) installers and customers, we will present our MID 30-50KTL3-X2 and MAX 150KTL3-X LV inverters. As the first to introduce a 150kW inverter in the low-voltage segment, these units feature multiple MPPTs, a higher DC/AC ratio, and compatibility with higher wattage panels, all contributing to reduced LCOE. Additionally, they come equipped with all essential protection features, including type II SPD on both AC and DC sides. Smart features such as remote monitoring and control, IV curve scanning, one-click diagnosis, and remote firmware upgrades are also integrated.

For the first time at REI, we will unveil our new MAX 350KTL3-X utility-scale inverter. Given the recent developments and growth in utility-scale project tenders, this 350kW inverter is expected to attract significant interest. With a maximum efficiency of 99.03%, it ensures optimal DC-to-AC power conversion, maximizing energy output. In addition to these, we will also exhibit EV chargers, battery storage systems, and portable power stations during the event.

EQ: What kind of market do you anticipate in 2024 in terms of Utility/ C&I / Residential?

SM: In 2024, we’re expecting significant growth across all areas of India’s solar market—utility, commercial & industrial (C&I), and residential—driven by the nation’s strong commitment to renewable energy.

On the utility side, we’re anticipating major expansion.

The government’s push for large-scale renewable energy projects, supported by favorable policies and tenders, will drive demand for high-efficiency solar solutions. Developers will be focused on getting the most energy out of their systems while keeping costs low, positioning utility-scale solar as a crucial part of India’s energy future. In the C&I sector, we foresee substantial growth as more businesses look for ways to cut energy costs and improve their sustainability efforts. Solar energy is no longer just an environmental choice; it’s a smart long-term investment. Companies are increasingly turning to solar to reduce operating expenses while enhancing their green credentials. As a result, we expect to see rising demand for advanced solar systems that can adapt to the unique needs of businesses, offering both flexibility and efficiency.

On the residential front, solar adoption is set to accelerate as homeowners become more aware of the benefits of rooftop solar installations. With rising electricity tariffs and a growing interest in energy

independence, more households are expected to turn to solar as a way to cut costs and contribute to a greener future. An important factor in this growth will be the impact of the PM Surya Ghar Yojana, a government initiative aimed at making solar energy more accessible to residential users. It empowers households to generate their own electricity, reduce dependency on the grid, and lower their electricity bills, all while contributing to India’s broader sustainability goals.

Overall, 2024 looks promising for the Indian solar market, with all three segments—utility, C&I, and residential— playing a vital role in the country’s renewable energy journey.

EQ: Expectation from government, policy makers and regulators?

SM: We look forward to continued proactive support from the government, policymakers, and regulators to advance solar energy in India. This support could include offering more financial incentives, simplifying regulations, and ensuring that policies are clear and consistent. Improved grid infrastructure and faster approval processes for solar projects will also be crucial. Ultimately, we expect a continued commitment to ambitious renewable energy targets, which will keep India on track toward a greener, more sustainable future.