Merit Controls at an Enel Solar Energy site in Scurry, Texas.
Sungrow has formed a strategic nonexclusive partnership with U.S.-based Merit Controls to offer North American developers a new option for streamlined controls and cybersecurity.
Together they have created a de-risked, proven and secure solution that combines Merit’s local Energy Management System (EMS), SCADA and network expertise with Sungrow’s best-in-class integrated energy storage systems — a combination meant to help projects meet increasingly complex utility and regulatory requirements.
“As clean energy infrastructure becomes more distributed and digital, it’s critical that our industry think beyond performance and also stress resilience,” said Michael Hudson, Director of Cybersecurity Strategy at Sungrow Americas. “Project developers and utilities increasingly recognize that digital interfaces and control systems — while enabling innovation — also introduce new considerations for cybersecurity and grid reliability.
Sungrow North America as a matter of policy does not import any data or communications technology with its power inverters and battery systems.
Merit Controls CEO Tom Kuster emphasized the commercial appeal of a U.S.-produced system of cybersecure controls that can help developers avoid fragmented or ad hoc control solutions.
“This partnership represents a significant step forward in our mission to provide integrated, high-performance solutions that drive business value, peace-of-mind, and incremental revenue opportunity to our clients,” he said.
“Merit is excited to expand our proven, secure Energy Management System (EMS) with Sungrow’s cutting-edge battery technology. We look forward to providing valuable integration, commissioning and service support that is essential to the successful deployment of these critical grid assets.”
Merit’s control platform includes features to support grid interoperability, NERC/CIP compliance and real-time monitoring. The system has already been deployed in dozens of PV, storage and hybrid installations across the region.
The joint solution is available now and is compatible with Sungrow’s full range of PV inverter and battery energy storage systems in the North American market.
News item from Sungrow
