Ampt String Optimizers let developers integrate modules from multiple manufacturers to lower costs amid new tariffs and domestic content policies.

Ampt, the #1 DC optimizer company for large-scale photovoltaic (PV) systems, announced the use of its String Optimizers in a portfolio of utility-scale PV projects that mix PV modules from different manufacturers to achieve the lowest cost-structure. Blending modules in PV power plants gives developers supply chain flexibility to adapt to changing U.S. market policies such as new tariffs and domestic content requirements.

The portfolio of projects, developed and owned by a major U.S. utility, started deploying earlier this year. The systems mix PV modules from different manufacturers on the same inverter. This practice, also known as module blending, is not normally done because the PV modules have different output characteristics, which would cause performance problems and risk damaging modules when mixed together. The utility chose to use Ampt String Optimizers to eliminate these issues.

Ampt String Optimizers are DC/DC converters that perform maximum power point tracking (MPPT) on each string of PV modules to eliminate electrical mismatch losses between strings and increase lifetime production. In addition to solving the performance issues in blended module systems, Ampt also reduces module degradation rates and prevents reverse-current flow that might otherwise harm modules and void warranties. Ampt optimizers have the flexibility to deploy on all or some of the modules on an inverter to achieve the lowest cost-structure.

At an industry level, developers in the U.S. are facing significant headwinds to source PV modules amid shifting market conditions. Domestic content rules are tightening supply, tariffs are driving up costs, and the One Big Beautiful Bill Act (OBBBA) restrictions on Foreign Entities of Concern (FEOC) are threatening solar project tax credit eligibility based on the PV module country of origin. Blended module system designs help overcome these challenges to preserve solar project economics and meet construction deadlines.

Ampt has over a decade of experience enabling blended module deployments in repowering applications where solar operators upgrade sections of old PV systems with new modules after weather events or to address declining output. Today’s announced portfolio of projects uses this same approach with Ampt as an intentional design choice in new-build power plants.

“Our customer’s safe harbor strategy created the need to integrate modules from multiple manufacturers, and this portfolio demonstrates how Ampt technology makes that possible,” said Mary Adam, VP Global Sales. “By enabling supply chain flexibility and lowering system costs, we’re helping to deliver projects that meet both economic and operational goals.”

Ampt anticipates an increasing need for mixed-module designs from U.S. project developers and owners.

"Last quarter, Ampt added over a gigawatt of utility-scale PV systems in the U.S. that are under design by customers to reduce electrical balance of system costs and improve performance using String Optimizers,” said Aaron Gomolak, Ampt CEO. "While these systems are not currently designed with blended module arrays, our programmable optimizers provide customers with the flexibility for late-stage changes in module choice to respond to new market conditions.”

Ampt will be exhibiting at RE+ in Las Vegas, Nevada, from September 9-11. Visit Ampt at booth #V8549 to learn more about how Ampt solutions lower the cost of solar energy in utility-scale power plants, including those benefiting from blended PV module designs. To set up an appointment, contact Ampt at info@ampt.com.

About Ampt

Ampt delivers innovative power conversion and communication technology that are used to lower the cost and improve the performance of new PV systems, repower existing systems, and enable lower-cost DC-coupled storage. With installations and experience serving markets around the world, Ampt is the number one DC optimizer company for large-scale systems. The company is headquartered in Fort Collins, Colorado, and has sales and support locations in North America, Europe, Japan and Australia as well as representation in Asia and the Middle East. For more information, visit www.ampt.com and follow Ampt on LinkedIn.

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Ampt anticipates an increasing need for mixed-module designs from U.S. project developers and owners.