Chinese Battery Firm Sigenergy Unveils 166 kW Inverter for C&I Solar Installations

Chinese battery manufacturer Sigenergy has introduced a new 166 kW inverter designed for commercial and industrial (C&I) photovoltaic installations, aiming to enhance power density, system efficiency, and seamless integration of solar and energy storage systems.

According to the company, the inverter incorporates upgraded power electronics that enable higher performance while simplifying system deployment for businesses adopting combined solar and storage solutions.

The inverter is rated IP66 for durability and measures 1,019 mm × 668 mm × 340 mm, with a total weight of 100 kg. It supports a maximum PV input power of 270 kW and a DC input voltage of up to 1,100 V. The system operates within a maximum power point tracking (MPPT) voltage range of 160–1,000 V and features nine MPPT trackers, each capable of supporting two PV strings. The inverter allows a maximum input current of 40 A per MPPT, with a short-circuit current capacity of 60 A.

On the AC side, the device provides a nominal output ranging from 150 kW to 166.6 kW, with a maximum apparent power between 165 kVA and 183.3 kVA, depending on the grid voltage. It supports three-phase connections at 380 V, 400 V, and 480 V, delivering nominal output currents of up to 278 A, enabling compatibility with a wide range of grid configurations.

The inverter is capable of achieving a peak efficiency of 98.7%, supported by a smart air cooling system that ensures stable performance across operating temperatures from -30°C to 60°C, while storage conditions can reach as low as -40°C. Nighttime power consumption is maintained at less than 4 W.

Designed for challenging environments, the inverter can operate at altitudes of up to 5,000 meters, although performance derating begins at 4,000 meters, making it suitable for high-altitude solar projects.

Safety features integrated into the system include DC reverse polarity protection, insulation monitoring, residual current monitoring, and arc fault circuit interruption. On the AC side, protections include overcurrent, overvoltage, short-circuit protection, Type II surge protection, and anti-islanding functionality.

The inverter supports multiple connectivity options, including WLAN, Fast Ethernet, RS485, and cellular modules (4G/3G/2G), enabling remote monitoring and system management.

The product launch coincided with the inauguration of Sigenergy’s Nantong Smart Energy Center in Jiangsu Province. The facility, located in Nantong, spans 136,000 square meters and represents an investment of CNY 500 million ($72.7 million).

Sigenergy stated that the site will serve as a key manufacturing base supporting the company’s global expansion and its “AI in All” strategy. The facility is designed as an integrated hub combining research and development, intelligent manufacturing, global logistics, and energy management, with an annual production capacity exceeding 300,000 inverters and battery packs.