FAQ
Frequently asked questions about Solar, PCS, GridMind AI & UPS
Direct answers from LEONICS engineers — Modular PCS, GridMind AI Energy Management, MTP-620x Hybrid Inverter, Solar PV, Microgrid, and True Online UPS.
CompanyWhat products does LEONICS manufacture?
LEONICS has been manufacturing integrated energy systems since 1991. Our core product portfolio: (1) Modular PCS — Power Conversion System for Utility-scale BESS, (2) GridMind AI — AI Energy Management Platform, (3) MTP-620x three-phase Hybrid Inverter for C&I Microgrids, (4) Solar Charge Controllers (SCM/SCB Series) for DC Coupling, (5) Complete Solar PV systems (Inverters, Modules, Rooftop, Solar Farm), (6) Microgrid Systems, (7) Energy Storage Systems (BESS), and (8) True Online UPS — all designed and manufactured in Thailand and exported to Malaysia, Indonesia, and the Maldives.
Modular PCSWhat is Modular PCS and how does it differ from a regular inverter?
A Modular PCS (Power Conversion System) is a bi-directional power converter for BESS — unlike a standard Solar Inverter which only converts one direction (DC→AC). LEONICS Modular PCS uses a String Architecture with multiple inverter modules working in parallel, with four key advantages: (1) Hot-swappable — replace modules while the system is running, (2) N+1 Redundancy — system continues operating if one module fails, (3) Scalable from 0.12 to 3.2 MW, (4) Built-in GridMind AI for Predictive Dispatch by tariff. Ideal for Utility-scale BESS, Solar Farm + Storage, and Frequency Regulation.
GridMind AIWhat does GridMind AI do and how much can it save?
GridMind AI is an Edge-native AI Platform that automates energy management with 8 core functions: (1) AI Load Forecasting 24-48 hours ahead, (2) AI Solar Forecasting every 5 minutes, (3) Smart Dispatch — Charge/Discharge by TOU tariff, (4) Peak Shaving to cut Demand Charge automatically, (5) TOU Shifting moves load from Peak to Off-Peak, (6) Solar Clipping Recovery, (7) Generator Fuel Optimizer, (8) Automated Carbon Reporting (TGO/IEA emission factors · CBAM · T-VER). A modeled case study indicates 15-30% lower electricity cost when paired with BESS. Runs on edge hardware with <50ms latency, vendor-agnostic — compatible with PCS from multiple brands.
MTP-620xWho is the MTP-620x Hybrid Inverter designed for?
The APOLLO MTP-620x Series is a three-phase hybrid inverter, 20–125 kW, combining MPPT solar, LFP battery, grid connection and a generator interface in one unit. It suits three groups: (1) C&I microgrids — mid-sized factories, hotels and resorts wanting complete Solar + Battery; (2) data centres and other continuous-supply sites, thanks to the built-in static transfer switch that changes grid ↔ generator in under 10 ms with no external switchgear; (3) sites already running diesel generators that want to cut fuel. Key points: 98% peak efficiency, up to 20 units in parallel, and full 100% unbalanced-load support.
Solar PVWhat size of Solar PV system suits a factory?
Solar Rooftop sizing for a factory depends on 3 factors: (1) Monthly electricity bill — general rule: 1 kWp produces ~120 kWh/month, (2) Available roof area — 1 kWp requires ~6-8 m², (3) Daytime vs round-the-clock load — factories with heavy daytime usage (cold storage, manufacturing) can install at full capacity; 24/7 operations should consider Solar + BESS. Common sizes: small factories 50-200 kWp, mid-sized 200-1,000 kWp, large factories 1-5 MWp. LEONICS provides full-service site survey, design, installation, and monitoring.
Solar Charge ControllerWhat is PV DC Coupling and how is it better than AC Coupling?
DC Coupling connects Solar PV directly to the Battery at DC level through an MPPT Charge Controller — unlike AC Coupling where Solar must go through an Inverter (DC→AC) and the Battery through a separate PCS (AC→DC). Three advantages of DC Coupling: (1) 2-3% higher efficiency (less conversion loss), (2) Lower cost (no separate Solar Inverter), (3) Faster response in Off-Grid mode. Disadvantage: more complex design requiring voltage matching between PV and Battery. LEONICS SCM Series (200-900V PV / 250-950V Battery) and SCB Series (250-950V PV / 200-900V Battery) cover all applications.
MicrogridWhat is a Microgrid and who is it suitable for?
A Microgrid is a small-scale power system that can operate independently from the main grid — combining Solar + Battery + Generator + Load + EMS — operating in both Grid-tied and Island modes. Suitable for 5 customer groups: (1) Remote communities without grid access, (2) Telecom towers / repeaters in forests, (3) Islands / island resorts, (4) Large agricultural farms, (5) Factories seeking energy independence + backup. LEONICS offers 3 topologies: PV-Diesel Hybrid (40-60% diesel reduction versus running on diesel alone), Centralized Microgrid (single inverter), Decentralized Microgrid (using Modular PCS String architecture).
UPSWhat's the difference between True Online UPS and Line Interactive UPS?
Four key differences: (1) Topology — True Online uses Double-conversion (AC→DC→AC), always supplying power from the inverter / Line Interactive supplies power from the grid through an AVR, (2) Switching time — True Online = 0 ms (no source switch) / Line Interactive = 4-10 ms, (3) Power quality — True Online filters Surge / Sag / Frequency variation completely / Line Interactive corrects voltage but not frequency, (4) Price — True Online is typically 30-50% more expensive. Recommended True Online for: CT Scan, MRI, servers, Data Center, Core Banking. Recommended Line Interactive for: office computers, home NAS, general network equipment.