ABB adds new inverter production line to Jo’burg facility

ABB has announced that it will start producing central inverters at its Johannesburg facility in 2014 to support the rapidly growing local photovoltaic (PV) market and local content requirements.

The company will add a new inverter production line for its PVS800 range of central inverters with a production capacity of approximately 500 MW a year. It will produce 630, 875 and 1000 kW central inverters.

South Africa is one of the world’s fastest growing PV solar markets, bolstered by the country’s renewable energy independent power producer procurement program.

“With this investment in a new production line, ABB further reinforces its position as a global renewables leader with attention to local market needs,” said Ulrich Spiesshofer, head of ABB’s Discrete Automation and Motion division.

“The region’s energy needs are set to grow with economic expansion, and with South Africa looking to benefit from its abundance of sunshine we will be in an even better position to serve our local customers.”

ABB installed its first two 500 kW PV solar projects near Johannesburg in 2011 and has since gained a delivery pipeline of approximately 90 MW of central inverters. The company also produces solar inverters in Estonia, India and China.