Black start
in under 20 seconds: TÜV validates Sungrows ESS grid-forming capabilities twice
Hefei, China, April 27, 2026 - As power systems transition toward higher
shares of renewable energy, grid stability and the demand for grid-forming
technologies is becoming critical. Sungrow, leading PV inverter and energy storage system (ESS) provider, has successfully completed the world’s first large-scale grid-forming validation. The results covered 14 scenarios over 138 hours, met international standards, confirming reliable operation under complex grid conditions and was verified by TÜV Rheinland.
“Based on two decades of experience on grid-forming technology and in-depth understanding of power system stability requirements, Sungrow has built a 30 MW
large-scale simulation platform and conducted 14 comprehensive real-world extreme test scenarios,” said Henry Liu, General Manager of the Microgrid and Grid Solutions Center at Sungrow. “These results demonstrate grid-forming capabilities and mark a critical step toward the large-scale deployment of grid-forming technologies.”
In parallel, Sungrow’s full portfolio ESS products have completed the Notified Body (NB) assessment under the EU Battery Regulation (EU) 2023/1542, becoming the first company globally to complete NB assessment across utility-scale, C&I, and residential ESS segments.
Validated Performance Across Main Critical Grid Scenarios
As demand for grid-forming technologies grows, independent, full-scale validation
is increasingly important. Sungrow’s test base features a 30MW grid simulation platform, real short-circuit capacity regulation equipment, and advanced arc-fault testing devices,
enabling replication of complex and extreme grid conditions. The tests align with grid requirements across major global markets, including Europe, Australia, and China. Here the most important results:
1. Short-Circuit Performance: Reliable Fault Support
A short-circuit test using real arc-fault equipment simulated severe fault conditions. Under identical scenarios, the grid-forming system remained connected and continuously supplied fault current, while conventional systems are more likely to disconnect. The response time was at 10ms, the test saw stable and continuous fault current contribution and a strong fault ride-through capability.
2. Inertial Response: Stronger Frequency Stability
Compared with conventional grid-following systems, which may lose stability under the same disturbance, Sungrow’s solution maintained continuous operation and restored frequency stability within milliseconds. The test showed Millisecond-level response to frequency deviations, Stable operation under sudden disturbances and improved system resilience in weak grids
3. Black Start: Rapid System Recovery
In a full blackout test, all external power was disconnected from the site. During this test, Sungrow's grid-forming Power Conversion System established system voltage within 19s, then successfully restarted the entire facility, restoring loads and infrastructure without external support. This capability enables industry-leading GW-scale black start
and significantly enhances system restoration speed with virtually no circulation current
In addition to the tests mentioned above, eleven further tests—including on/off-grid switching, load switching, and oscillation damping—were also successfully completed.
Sungrow's Full ESS Portfolio Complete NB Assessment under EU Battery Regulation
Sungrow has successfully completed the conformity assessment conducted by the Notified Body (NB) TÜV Rheinland (NB No. 1008) in accordance with the EU Battery Regulation (EU 2023/1542) becoming the first company globally to complete NB assessment across utility-scale, commercial and industrial (C&I), and residential energy
storage segments under the currently applicable provisions of the regulation. The assessment covered requirements already in force, including safety, labeling and marking obligations, restrictions on hazardous substances, performance and durability, and battery-management parameters such as state of health (SOH) and expected lifetime.
Mr. Bowen Dong, General Manager of PV&ES Product Services at TÜV Rheinland Greater China, commented: “Sungrow’s energy storage portfolio demonstrates strong performance in safety design, system reliability, and key technical metrics, fully meeting the stringent requirements of the EU Battery Regulation for stationary energy storage systems. As the first company globally to complete NB assessment across utility-scale, C&I and residential energy storage segments under the applicable provisions of the regulation, Sungrow’s achievement provides a valuable reference for the industry in addressing the evolving regulatory landscape in Europe.”
About Sungrow
Sungrow, a global leader in renewable energy technology, has pioneered
sustainable power solutions for over 29 years. As of Dec 2025, Sungrow has
installed over 1000 GW of power electronic converters worldwide. The company is
recognized as the world's most bankable PV inverter and energy storage company
(BloombergNEF). Its innovations power clean energy projects across the globe,
supported by a network of 520 service outlets guaranteeing excellent customer
experiences. At Sungrow, we're committed to bridging to a sustainable future
through cutting-edge technology and unparalleled service. For more information,
please visit: www.sungrowpower.com/en
