Localised inverter-integrated transformer

Electrical Power & Protection

June 2025 Electrical Power & Protection

ACTOM, South Africa’s largest manufacturer, repairer and distributor of electromechanical equipment, is launching a breakthrough in renewable energy integration with its localised inverter-integrated transformer.

Developed in strategic collaboration with global inverter leader Sungrow, the solution is a fully integrated, factory-tested solution designed to meet the growing demand for utility-scale solar PV projects. It combines a transformer, inverter, ring main unit (RMU) and LV combiner box into a single, skid-based, plug-and-play system. This not only reduces on-site complexity but also significantly cuts installation time, project risk and lifecycle costs.

“This is more than a product launch, it’s a step change in how we localise global innovation to empower Africa’s energy future,” says Lee Mbenge, divisional CEO of ACTOM Distribution Transformers. “By bringing together international technology with local manufacturing, we are accelerating clean energy adoption while building South African skills and industrial capacity.”

A proudly South African solution

ACTOM’s partnership with Sungrow brings world-class inverter technology, complemented by locally designed and assembled components. This integrated approach leverages ACTOM’s in-house manufacturing expertise, ensuring seamless production, rigorous quality standards and dedicated after-sales support tailored to African market needs. “ACTOM’s strength lies in our end-to-end local capabilities,” says Mbenge. “Apart from the inverter, every element is produced within our business units allowing us to deliver efficient, high-quality solutions that are suited to the African context.”

Supporting solar’s rapid rise

With solar PV now the dominant focus of public and private energy investment across the continent, this launch couldn’t come at a better time. The integrated solution directly supports the development of solar farms particularly by engineering, procurement and construction (EPC) contractors who benefit from pre-tested, factory-assembled systems that minimise on-site challenges and accelerate project commissioning. “By delivering a fully assembled and factory-tested system we eliminate the complexity of on-site integration,” Mbenge explains. “For EPCs, that means faster commissioning, improved quality control and fewer delays.”

Innovation that builds local capacity

The partnership with Sungrow brings global technological expertise into the country while facilitating local skills development and job creation. ACTOM’s team is actively building technical capacity around installation, support and long-term maintenance to create a foundation for future innovation.

“This isn’t just about this one project. It’s about laying the groundwork for future self-reliance,” says Mbenge. “We’re growing the skills base, hiring more talent and showing that South Africa can lead in delivering world-class clean energy solutions.”

Future-focused and scalable

While initially developed for solar farms, the inverter-integrated transformer is equally suited to broader energy applications such as battery energy storage systems (BESS) where it can help stabilise grids, support off-grid setups and address generation shortfalls during peak demand or load shedding.

“This technology offers a scalable pathway to expand Africa’s renewable energy capacity while reducing our carbon footprint,” Mbenge concludes. “It’s a practical solution with the potential to reshape how we power the continent.”

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Electrical Power & Protection

Localised inverter-integrated transformer

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