Infineon CoolGaN technology boosts next-gen Enphase microinverters
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Infineon Technologies has announced it is bringing its latest CoolGaN bidirectional switch technology to Enphase Energy’s newest IQ9 Series Microinverters, marking a significant step forward in commercial solar performance. According to the company, the collaboration strengthens both companies’ positions in a rapidly expanding solar market while highlighting GaN’s growing role in next-generation power electronics.
For eeNews Europe readers — whether working on PV power stages, wide-bandgap design, or next-gen energy systems — this news offers insight into how bidirectional GaN architectures are beginning to reshape inverter design, efficiency, and installation economics.
GaN BDS tech targets high-efficiency solar and commercial installations
Infineon’s CoolGaN bidirectional switch (BDS) technology enables single-stage power conversion by replacing multiple unidirectional switches with one device capable of bi-directional power flow. For Enphase, this translates directly into higher power output, improved efficiency, and simplified system architecture in the new IQ9 Series—including the IQ9N-3P™ Commercial Microinverter targeted at larger installations.
The companies say the design shift helps cut system complexity, installation time, and balance-of-system costs — important factors for accelerating commercial market adoption. “As a market leader in power semiconductors, Infineon masters all relevant materials: silicon (Si), silicon carbide (SiC), and gallium nitride,” said Adam White, Division President at Power & Sensor Systems at Infineon. “The development of GaN technology is a key part of our vision, offering the most efficient power semiconductor solutions for companies like Enphase to create high-performance, efficient applications to drive the widespread adoption of photovoltaic (PV) systems. Together with Enphase, we further embark on our journey to foster decarbonization and reduce the world’s reliance on fossil fuels.”
GaN BDS devices deliver notable performance improvements, with Infineon reporting up to 68% lower losses compared to silicon and 42% better performance versus conventional GaN unidirectional switches. These gains are increasingly relevant as inverter manufacturers chase higher power density, system reliability, and installation flexibility.
Enphase expands into broader commercial markets
For Enphase, the transition to bidirectional GaN unlocks new application segments. “Utilizing Infineon’s CoolGaN bidirectional switch technology allows us to service a much larger segment of the commercial market with our IQ9 Series Microinverters,” said Ron Swenson, Senior Vice President of Operations at Enphase Energy. “This teamwork highlights our commitment to ongoing innovation in the solar energy industry. We’re excited by the performance gains enabled by GaN-powered technology and look forward to deepening our long-term partnership with Infineon.”
Enphase’s IQ9 Series Microinverters (Source: Infineon)
The company notes that the higher efficiency and power output help position the IQ9 Series not only for residential rooftops but also for commercial deployments where scaling and reliability are key.
Positioned for a fast-growing global PV market
The announcement comes amid accelerating global solar expansion. Solar PV generated roughly 7% of worldwide electricity in 2024, and the IEA forecasts more than 5500 GW of new renewable capacity between 2024 and 2030, 80% of which will come from PV. With wide-bandgap devices enabling higher efficiencies and lower system costs, GaN is poised to play a central role in this growth.
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