New commercial Fronius Tauro inverter is the first choice for large-scale PV systems

“What was critically important to us during the development of the Fronius Tauro was to have a look at the requirements of our customers. We felt that simply thrusting yet another commercial inverter on the market was selling everyone a bit short, so we developed a product that closes the previous gaps in the market and really does add value for our customers,” explains Martin Hackl, Global Director of the Business Unit Solar Energy at Fronius International GmbH.

The new inverter is available as a Tauro and Tauro ECO¹. Both variants have been optimised for use in a centralised and decentralised system design². The Fronius Tauro is available in the 50 kW power category. It has three MPP trackers and an extremely wide input voltage range, which is particularly advantageous for demanding³ PV scenarios. The Tauro ECO has one MPP tracker, is optimised for cost and efficiency and is available in the 50, 99 and 100 kW power categories.

Cost optimisation through smart hardware design
A reduction in the BOS costs⁴, which can account for roughly a third of the investment costs (CAPEX), make the Tauro unbeatable. The innovative AC Daisy Chaining option allows the installer to link the AC cables of a number of Tauro inverters together directly in the device. This means that the inverter connection functions in the same way as a rudimentary AC sub-distributor, significantly reducing the number of AC distributor boxes and the amount of AC cabling. Not only is less material required, installation costs are also lowered.

Depending on requirements, surge protective device type 2 or type 1+2 is already permanently integrated. The housing offers plenty of space in the AC connection area, for example for third-party components. No external box or similar is required, thus saving on costs. V-type terminals and a mounting bracket ensure extremely easy handling, saving more money as fewer additional components such as cable lugs are required.

High level of flexibility in the planning
One advantage is the flexible placement of the inverter, which can either be decentralised, next to the PV modules or centralised, at the grid connection point. The planner also has the option to design systems that are perfectly configured to meet the respective conditions and hence achieve top results in terms of costs and performance. East-west alignment or challenging roof configurations no longer present a problem. In addition, the inverter can be mounted vertically or horizontally without requiring any roofing or shading structures.

Resistant to all environmental conditions
The Fronius Tauro delivers high yields, even under the most adverse conditions. Thanks to its IP 65 protection class and unique cooling technology, the inverter can even be mounted – without any additional protective devices – in unsheltered outdoor locations in direct sunlight.

Heated air is continually removed by means of active cooling technology, dramatically improving thermal performance and preventing the creation of hot spots inside the device. What’s more, a special double wall system ensures that heat from direct sunlight is reduced, protecting the electronic components. The innovative cooling system therefore not only ensures maximum yields at ambient temperatures of up to 50 °C, but it also extends the service life of the entire inverter. Dust and ambient temperatures from -40 °C to +65 °C are no problem for the Fronius Tauro, and it is also maintenance-free.

Fastest servicing on the market
With the ability to replace a power stage set and the Fronius Solar.SOS service app, Fronius is now offering installers a unique level of service quality. The replacement of a power stage set can be carried out by one person. Not only is this sustainable, it is also cost-effective, as the expense associated with spare parts or a replacement device, plus installation and transport costs, are drastically reduced.

Impressive smart design
A 1.3 MW PV system is situated next to the Feistritz-Ludmannsdorf run-of-river power plant in Carinthia (AT). Here, 12 Tauro ECO 100 inverters produce an annual yield of roughly 1,500 MWh. “The installation was effortless,” reports Thomas Rabensteiner, Project Manager at KPV Solar. The installation company was one of the first to install the new Fronius Tauro commercial inverter. Rabensteiner adds: “The system in Carinthia was our first project with the Tauro. We are delighted with how easy it is to handle the device.” 

¹ Availability: Fronius Tauro ECO: from June 2021, Fronius Tauro: from September 2021
² Centralised: all inverters are located centrally near the transformer station. Decentralised: all inverters are located next to the PV modules.
³ For installations on which the PV modules are facing different points of the compass, the strings are different lengths and a third MPP tracker is therefore required.
⁴ Balance of System = system balance, consists of all components of a photovoltaic system with the exception of the PV modules.