SolarBridge launches 135 kW PCS as US rules restrict foreign-made inverters

SolarBridge Technology has launched the Golden Gate STC-P135, a 135 kW bidirectional power conversion system, at RE+ 2026 in Las Vegas.

Under the One Big Beautiful Bill Act, storage installations containing components from Foreign Entities of Concern risk losing the 30% federal Investment Tax Credit. Federal Communications Commission rules now restrict imports of foreign-made inverters and power conversion systems that lack pre-existing FCC authorization.

SolarBridge, founded in 2025 and headquartered in Dallas, is building hardware for integrators needing to maintain eligibility for federal incentives.

Regulatory Context

Kemp Qiu, SolarBridge’s chief executive, explained that the firm’s core mission is to satisfy both FEOC and FCC mandates. He emphasized that system integrators require gear that preserves their eligibility for federal incentives, noting that SolarBridge manufactures this hardware in Dallas.

Mass production is scheduled to commence at the Texas assembly plant in early 2027. Luminity noted on 3 November 2026 that, according to a report from 20 October 2026 available here, India’s domestic inverter production is characterized primarily by the final assembly of imported components rather than vertical integration.

Technical Specifications

The Golden Gate STC-P135 is engineered to produce a rated AC power of 135 kW, alongside a peak AC apparent power of 148.5 kVA. Its primary electrical characteristics are as follows:

• Peak efficiency reaches 98.7%
• DC voltage caps at 1500 V
• DC current limits to 206 A
• Sustains full power output at ambient temperatures up to 45°C

When connected to the grid, the unit functions as a three-phase, three-wire system at 480 Vac, provided the DC bus voltage remains within the 720 Vdc to 820 Vdc range. The architecture incorporates an Integrated AC Cabin capable of accommodating four units, which together yield a combined capacity of 540 kW. These modular components allow for scaling to roughly 1 MW to satisfy specific site load demands. The system utilizes a unique AI-driven energy management platform that retains its data on local servers.

Manufacturing Timeline

SolarBridge is installing manufacturing equipment at its Dallas facility in November 2026, with assembly, testing, and software loading scheduled for the first quarter of 2027. The initial phase of the plant will employ approximately 50 workers. The company targets a monthly output of 1,000 to 1,500 units, supporting an annual production capacity of up to 2.5 GW. Sample units are scheduled for field testing in December 2026.

SolarBridge expects to finalize FCC equipment authorization in early 2027. Concurrently, supply chain independent certification by a third-party law firm is also expected in early 2027.

What to watch

The next major product milestone is the launch of the STU-P450 liquid-cooled 450 kW string power conversion system, scheduled for the second quarter of 2027.