We turn passion into power

KACO new energy GmbH with its business seat in Neckarsulm, Germany, is specialized in the manufacturing of all types of power inverters, with photovoltaic inverters and accessories  accounting for the largest proportion of the company’s sales. KACO new energy is one of the leading global manufacturers in this field. KACO new energy has produced over 2 Gigawatt of accumulated inverter power since 1999.

German solar and electric wholesalers have been the key channels up until a few years ago. Today, at least 30% of the company’s sales are now directly due to international export. Branches in the USA, Greece and South Korea, as well as sales offices in all important markets have been established to distribute the company’s products. KACO new energy has more than 500 employees and growing worldwide.

The secondary business interests are comprised of manufacturing of power supply systems for rail and industrial applications. More than 15,000 battery-coupled power supply systems are employed in rail vehicles all over the world. Companies as Siemens, Alstom and Bombardier are among the customers of KACO new energy. The technological prowess also includes manufacturing of inverters for combined heat and power plants, fuel cells and concentrator modules in addition KACO provides innovative products for solar water treatment and electric car power generation.

KACO new energy’s hallmark is its demanding attitude: it is the first manufacturer to grant a seven year guarantee on its solar inverters. Carefully thought-out quality management controls have been established and are rigorously followed to ensure the sustained reliability of all devices. Shipments to customers only include devices that have successfully passed extensive thermal and electronic test processes under extreme conditions. KACO new energy’s philosophy: even a high degree of efficiency cannot compensate for the damage caused by an inverter failure on a good sunny day!

Innovation through research

As early as in 1999, KACO new energy launched one of the first series-manufactured inverters without a transformer. This made the company a pioneer in the field of transformerless inverter technology, which yields higher degrees of efficiency. Another example of KACO new energy’s innovative power is the early introduction of three-phase monitoring. This method ensures multiple measurements, thus preventing unnecessary inverter disconnection from the grid.

Investments in research and development are the key requirements for KACO new energy to maintain this position. Therefore, KACO new energy has established designated research teams in Kassel, Germany, and Neckarsulm for the further development of inverters up to a power class of 100 kW, as well as a team in Seongnam in South Korea for the development of solar inverters of higher power classes. In addition, the company is part of a research group engaged in a project for solar water treatment – a group that has been awarded the Energy Globe of the European Parliament.

Committed to mankind

KACO new energy wants to allow the less privileged people in this world to share the company’s success. With its donations the company supports the victims of terror in Beslan, for example, or children of alcohol-addicted parents, as well as the Target organization initiated by Rüdiger Nehberg, which fights female genital mutilation. In 2010, "Große Hilfe für kleine Helden" received 200,000 Euro; the foundation supports terminally or chronically ill young children and their families. In order to further the rural electrification in Africa, KACO new energy also donates off-grid inverters to organizations throughout African continent amongst other world wide destinations.

KACO new energy is also committed to engaging in political work that furthers the use of photovoltaic. KACO new energy invites politicians for regular plant tours and to exchange views. The Senior Management takes part in panel forums and engages in public political discussions.

KACO new energy’s company culture is a very special one. All employees participate in the company’s profit. The company offers free organic food in winter and free soft drinks in summer. Regular foot-races take place, in which a team of company members are trained regularly for marathon runs. And every year there is a two-day company excursion for all employees and their families.