1. Introduction to PV Step-up Transformers
Photovoltaic (PV) power generation converts light energy into electrical energy through the photoelectric effect at the semiconductor interface. The generation process involves converting direct current (DC) from PV power stations into alternating current (AC) through an inverter. Depending on the input voltage, a transformer performs a step-up operation to transmit power to the national grid, where the typical grid voltage is 10 kV. For end-users, voltage is stepped down to 220 V for residential use and 380 V for commercial use via transformers before being delivered to terminal users.
Transformers play a crucial role in power transmission and distribution, providing not only power delivery and voltage conversion but also electrical isolation (preventing DC components and leakage currents from entering the grid) and voltage matching within PV systems. Typically, every two 500 kW PV systems require a 1,000 kVA transformer. PV power stations also need step-up transformers and associated substation equipment for grid connection. PV step-up transformers are designed to raise the low AC voltage output from PV inverters to a higher voltage level suitable for transmission.
2. Global PV Step-up Transformer Market Overview
In 2023, the global PV step-up transformer market reached USD 1.229 billion and is projected to grow to USD 2.407 billion by 2030, with a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 9.05%.
On the production side (volume), China and Europe are the major manufacturing regions, with market shares of 63.77% and 15.34% in 2023, respectively. Over the next few years, China is expected to maintain the fastest growth, with its market share anticipated to reach 64.00% by 2030.
Regarding product types, dry-type transformers hold a significant position, with an expected market share of 68.37% by 2030. In terms of applications, ground-mounted PV systems accounted for approximately 87.73% of the market in 2023, with a projected CAGR of about 10.25% in the coming years.
Currently, leading global manufacturers include Mingyang Electric, Ingeteam, TBEA, Hitachi Energy, Siemens, Prolec GE, and Chint Electric, with the top players collectively holding over 78% of the market share in 2023. The industry is expected to become increasingly competitive, especially in the Chinese market.
On the consumption side, China is the largest market globally, with a 56.31% share in 2023, followed by Europe and North America, with shares of 13.44% and 13.39%, respectively.
Europe is expected to experience the fastest growth in the coming years, with a CAGR of approximately 12.40% from 2024 to 2030.
3. Application of New Core Technologies in PV Step-up Transformers
Ultra-Thin Silicon Steel Core
The output power and voltage of energy generation often fluctuate widely. Medium-frequency high transformers are well-suited to accommodate these broad input variations, ensuring stable operation and efficient energy transmission under different generation conditions. Their excellent filtering characteristics effectively eliminate high-frequency harmonics generated by PV systems, improving power quality and enhancing grid integration success and efficiency.
Ultra-thin silicon steel cores exhibit exceptional magnetic properties in the medium-to-high frequency range, enabling rapid and precise power distribution and adjustment according to grid demand, thereby enhancing transformer efficiency during the step-up conversion process. Additionally, their superior noise reduction and mechanical performance contribute to improved overall transformer performance.
Amorphous Alloy Core
Compared to traditional silicon steel cores, amorphous alloy cores offer significantly lower no-load loss at equivalent capacities. Given the specific nature of PV generation, which inherently produces no-load losses upon system connection, PV projects demand even lower no-load losses from transformers. Moreover, PV transformers are often deployed in harsh environments, where the stable physical and chemical properties of amorphous alloy materials—such as excellent corrosion resistance and temperature adaptability—prove advantageous. Their compact and lightweight design also facilitates installation in various challenging settings.
Three-Dimensional Wound Core Technology
Compared to conventional laminated cores, three-dimensional wound core technology can reduce magnetic material usage by about 20%, optimizing space, cost savings, and loss reduction. This design also benefits noise reduction, with compact, symmetrical coil structures significantly decreasing stray magnetic fields around the transformer, achieving noise levels 10-25 dB lower than those of laminated core transformers, effectively reaching near-silent operation.
PV step-up transformers, classified as renewable energy transformers, have vast potential applications in the PV sector.
As domestic production technologies for advanced soft magnetic materials rapidly develop and manufacturing processes continue to mature, the market for high-end raw materials like ultra-thin silicon steel and amorphous alloy strips is expanding, with supply becoming increasingly sufficient. Challenges related to raw material costs and supply chain security are expected to be further mitigated. Currently, the PV step-up transformer industry is characterized by fierce competition in high-end products and overcapacity in low-end products. Technological innovation and widespread adoption will further drive product upgrades and promote healthy industry development.