iAccess Energy and Ampt Announce Breakthrough PV-Plus-Storage Project Delivering Maximum Value to Asset Owners
iAccess Energy, a forward-thinking developer specializing in turnkey photovoltaic (PV) power plants, has partnered with Ampt, the world’s leading DC optimizer company for utility-scale solar, to launch a pioneering DC-coupled PV-plus-storage project in Germany. The project marks a significant step in clean energy innovation by combining solar energy production with advanced battery energy storage in a cost-effective and high-performance system designed to deliver superior returns for energy asset owners.
This newly announced installation integrates 7 megawatts-peak (MWp) of ground-mounted solar photovoltaics with a 4 MW / 8 megawatt-hour (MWh) battery energy storage system (BESS). A 4.4 MWAC inverter provides the interface for grid interconnection. This comprehensive power system, engineered by iAccess Energy, utilizes best-in-class components and software, including SMA inverters, a tier-one battery supplier, and Ampt String Optimizers.
The highlight of the project is its fully integrated DC-coupled architecture, which sets a new standard for performance and profitability in the renewable energy sector. This design is centered around the battery as the core element of system operation and control, maximizing system efficiency, flexibility, and economic returns.
A Modern Approach to Energy Storage and Solar Integration
Unlike traditional solar-plus-storage systems that often rely on AC coupling—where solar panels and batteries are managed separately through multiple inverters—iAccess Energy has chosen a more advanced DC-coupled design. This architecture directly connects the solar PV array to the battery through Ampt’s String Optimizers, creating a tightly integrated, battery-centric system.
This approach enables the solar energy generated to be directly stored or routed to the grid based on real-time needs and market opportunities. The battery-centric design enhances the system’s responsiveness and supports complex functions such as frequency regulation and demand response, which are critical for modern grid stability.
“This project reflects our philosophy that energy systems must evolve to support a more dynamic and decentralized grid,” said Michael Rieber, CEO of iAccess Energy. “By integrating the latest power electronics from Ampt, along with carefully selected components and software, we are able to offer a system that performs beyond expectations and supports sustainable long-term ownership.”
Ampt Technology: The Core Enabler
The heart of the system’s intelligence lies in the Ampt String Optimizers, which are DC/DC converters that perform maximum power point tracking (MPPT) at the string level. This allows each string of solar panels to operate independently and at its optimal efficiency, regardless of shading, module mismatch, or other conditions that may otherwise limit performance.
The optimizers also dynamically follow the voltage of the battery system as it charges and discharges. This capability is what makes the DC-coupled battery-centric architecture possible. Unlike conventional solar inverters that require a stable operating voltage, Ampt’s solution allows the entire PV array to remain efficiently connected to the storage system even as battery conditions change.
Juan Romera-Wade, Senior Sales Director at Ampt, commented on the strategic nature of the partnership: “This project demonstrates how our technology, when deployed within a well-executed system architecture, can significantly increase the performance and value of renewable assets. iAccess Energy combines deep technical knowledge with investment acumen, creating a solution that is not only technically superior but also economically optimized.”
Unlocking Multiple Revenue Streams
One of the standout features of this project is its ability to participate in multiple energy market functions. The system can simultaneously:
- Shift peak loads: Store excess solar energy during periods of low demand and dispatch it when demand (and prices) are high.
- Provide grid services: Offer fast response for frequency and voltage regulation to support a more resilient grid.
- Participate in energy trading: Sell stored electricity into the open market when prices are favorable, increasing potential revenue.
These revenue streams create a diversified and stable economic profile for the system, making it an attractive investment for asset owners. Importantly, this design does not rely on government subsidies to remain financially viable—a key consideration as policy environments fluctuate.
By reducing dependency on subsidies, asset owners can pursue long-term returns with greater confidence. This is especially relevant in mature energy markets like Germany, where subsidy schemes such as feed-in tariffs have been phased out or significantly reduced.
Superior Economics Through Smarter Design
The integration of Ampt’s technology not only enhances performance but also reduces the overall capital and operational costs of the system. By enabling higher DC-to-AC ratios, the system connects more PV capacity per inverter and battery, which reduces the number of inverters and transformers needed. This leads to:
- Lower upfront capital expenditure
- Reduced wiring and installation labor
- Higher energy yields per unit of infrastructure
- Simplified system maintenance
These benefits translate into improved return on investment (ROI) for project developers and long-term owners, further supporting iAccess Energy’s mission to deliver sustainable energy solutions with top-tier financial performance.
“In our role as a long-term investor and operator of power plants, we are committed to maximizing value across the lifecycle of our assets,” said Rieber. “This requires more than just good hardware—it means understanding how to engineer systems that are intelligent, flexible, and scalable. Ampt’s technology is a critical part of that equation.”
A Scalable Model for the Future
Building on the success of this initial project, iAccess Energy is now expanding its deployment of this DC-coupled PV-plus-storage architecture. More than 40 additional projects are currently in development using this solution. These projects span a wide variety of applications and customer types, including:
- Landowners seeking to monetize underutilized property
- Institutional investors focused on clean infrastructure
- Asset owners looking to enhance the value of existing PV systems
By offering a replicable and scalable model, iAccess Energy and Ampt are enabling broader adoption of advanced energy storage solutions across the renewable sector.
Industry Collaboration and Visibility
Both iAccess Energy and Ampt will be showcasing this project and their broader solutions at Intersolar Europe, one of the world’s leading solar industry exhibitions, taking place in Munich from 7–9 May. Attendees can learn more about the project, explore technical solutions, and discuss potential collaborations by visiting Ampt at booth C5.151.
Those interested in scheduling a meeting can reach out directly to iAccess Energy or Ampt representatives through their respective websites or Intersolar event platforms.
