Scott Partlin (53Min)

SMA Solar Technology

Abstract

In solar systems the PV module is only half the story. One of the most critical components in any PV system is the inverter. The inverter in a PV system is the device which contains all the circuitry and intelligence to efficiently convert the PV DC electricity, into AC mains electricity. Scott Partlin, Global Product Manager with leading inverter manufacturer SMA will present on the topic of PV inverters.

The talk will cover:
· the basic requirements and functions of a PV inverter
· how inverters work
· production processes to mass produce inverters
· how inverter technology has changed and improved over the past 25 years
· how technology improvements regulatory requirements around PV inverters are helping to realise a smarter grid.

Brief Bio

Scott is Photovoltaic Engineer, who graduated with the first class of PV Engineering students at UNSW in 2003. Since graduating he worked in thin film crystalline silicon on glass cell and module research in Australia with CSG Solar. This role saw Scott travel to Germany to assist CSG Solar as it set up full scale manufacturing facilities. Scott then joined Suntech Power where he worked in both Australia and China in a role managing projects to deliver business and efficiency improvements to Suntech’s PV cell and module production. During this time, Scott also completed a Masters in Technology and Innovation Management studying part time at UNSW. After returning to Australia, Scott then worked as Senior Photovoltaic Engineer for Solahart, a national supplier of residential PV and Solar hot water systems and was responsible for the system design of all their PV systems sold nationally. In 2014, Scott joined the world’s largest and leading inverter manufacturer SMA Solar Technology. As a Global Product Manager for Australia and SE Asia, he has responsibility for ensuring SMA’s inverters products are fit for market and are adapting to meet changing customer and regulatory requirements.