Beyond Wiring: How Engineered EBOS Solutions Address Australia's Utility-Scale Solar Project Challenges
As utility-scale solar projects evolve, higher-current PV modules, varying site conditions, and demanding construction schedules are placing greater emphasis on electrical balance of systems (EBOS) design.
For EPCs and developers in Australia, labor costs, conductor material costs, and installation efficiency are key considerations. Traditional field-assembled wiring requires extensive cable measuring, cutting, and crimping, increasing reliance on skilled labor and the risk of installation errors.
Pre-assembled wiring solutions help address these challenges by moving more assembly and quality control into the factory. However, optimising project costs and execution also requires appropriate power-collection designs, with conductor configurations and installation methods considered early in the engineering process.
LYNX PLUS: Simplifying Power Collection with Trunk Bus Solutions
Voltage Energy's LYNX PLUS is a pre-assembled trunk bus solution that can reduce reliance on conventional combiner boxes in suitable project configurations. This approach can simplify DC layouts and reduce equipment and installation requirements. With the LYNX PLUS Cluster Solution, projects can also avoid underground trenching for the trunk bus, enabling above-ground installation and easier access for operation and maintenance (O&M).
However, different project layouts and electrical requirements may call for alternative approaches. For projects using combiner boxes, flexible conductor configurations and efficient multi-string solutions become equally important.
IBEX PLUS: Flexible Aluminum for Multi-String Solutions
As PV module current ratings increase, EPCs must balance conductor capacity, material costs, and installation requirements. Larger copper conductors can accommodate higher currents but may also increase material costs. Voltage Energy's IBEX PLUS addresses this challenge through a pre-assembled Multi-String solution that combines copper and flexible aluminum conductors.
Designed for the mid-capacity range (70–168A), its slim four-port configuration supports different combinations of copper and flexible aluminum conductors to accommodate project-specific current requirements. Flexible aluminum conductors can be upsized to handle higher currents, while compatibility with Combiner Boxes supports different DC power collection designs.
Combiner Box: Expanding Flexibility in Power Collection
To support projects requiring combiner boxes, Voltage Energy is expanding its EBOS portfolio with a new Combiner Box that consolidates multiple PV string outputs into a single output for connection to an inverter.
The Combiner Box accommodates up to 16 string inputs and features parallel output conductors. This arrangement maintains access to fuses for maintenance, while parallel conductor configurations accommodate different DC feeder and conductor sizing requirements.
Paired with IBEX PLUS, the Combiner Box offers an alternative power collection configuration alongside the trunk bus approach provided by LYNX PLUS.
From Wiring Products to System-Level EBOS Solutions
When wiring assemblies, power collection equipment, and feeder cables come from different suppliers, EPCs must manage multiple interfaces, material specifications, and installation requirements across the DC collection path.
Voltage Energy's system-level EBOS solutions bring together pre-assembled harnesses, power collection equipment, and DC feeders through coordinated engineering. Project-specific wiring packages, clearly labelled connections, and compatible conductor configurations can help reduce field decisions, installation errors, and rework.
For Australia's utility-scale solar projects, where regional workforce constraints and diverse site conditions add complexity to construction, early EBOS design decisions become particularly important. Aligning power collection strategies with project requirements from the outset supports more predictable project execution.
About Voltage Energy Group
Founded in 2016, Voltage Energy Group (“Voltage Energy”) is a leading global provider of utility-scale solar EBOS and mission-critical power infrastructure solutions, with global headquarters in Chapel Hill, North Carolina. Voltage Energy delivers innovative, value-engineered technologies and services that improve installation efficiency, enhance safety, and optimize long-term system performance.
We are a group of innovative people who sincerely care about the renewable industry. Learn more at the company’s new website, www.voltageenergy.com.
