Renewable energy is reshaping modern homes, driven by the urgent need to transition from fossil fuels to sustainable sources. Technologies like solar panels and residential heat pumps are becoming more affordable and efficient, allowing homeowners to harness renewable energy. Advanced residential battery energy storage systems ensure a reliable supply of clean energy, even when the sun isn’t shining or the wind isn’t blowing. The growing adoption of electric vehicles has led to the installation of AC EV wallboxes in garages, while smart home technologies integrate with green infrastructure to optimize energy use, reduce costs, and enhance convenience. This convergence of technologies is transforming homes into eco-friendly powerhouses, paving the way for a sustainable net-zero future. At the heart of these advancements are efficient power semiconductors.
The role of semiconductors in renewable energy
At the heart of the renewable energy revolution lies semiconductor technology. Semiconductors, with their ability to control electrical currents, are critical components in the conversion, storage, and management of renewable energy. These devices are essential for improving the efficiency, reliability, and performance of renewable energy systems. Without advanced semiconductors, it would be nearly impossible to harness and utilize renewable energy effectively.
They enable the transformation of energy from one form to another, ensuring that power generated from renewable sources like solar panels and wind turbines can be efficiently converted, stored, and distributed. In addition, they are crucial in minimizing energy losses and enhancing the overall performance of renewable energy systems. By enabling precise control over electrical currents and voltages, semiconductors help optimize the operation of various components within these systems.
Moreover, the development of new wide bandgap semiconductor materials, such as Silicon Carbide (SiC) and Gallium Nitride (GaN), has opened new possibilities for renewable energy applications. These materials offer superior performance compared to traditional silicon-based semiconductors, operating at higher temperatures, voltages, and frequencies. This advancement allows for more compact, efficient, and robust energy systems, which are essential for the growing demands of renewable energy infrastructures.
Drawing from a broad portfolio
Nexperia, as a leading expert in the development and production of essential semiconductors (MOSFETs, small-signal discretes, ESD protection and logic ICs), continues to expand its power portfolio to include IGBTs, GaN and SiC wide-bandgap devices and Power Management ICs. By offering these technologies, Nexperia is at the forefront of renewable energy technology:
- IGBT: IGBTs are the current standard in renewable energy systems due to their high efficiency, fast switching capabilities and cost competitiveness. They play a crucial role in inverters for solar panels and wind turbines, converting direct current (DC) generated by these sources into alternating current (AC) suitable for grid use.
- GaN (Gallium Nitride) and SiC (Silicon Carbide): These wide-bandgap semiconductors offer superior performance compared to traditional silicon-based semiconductors. SiC and GaN devices can operate at higher temperatures, voltages, and frequencies, making them ideal for high-power applications like EV charging stations and industrial energy systems. Their high efficiency reduces energy losses and enhances the overall performance of renewable energy systems. Currently WBG materials are mainly used in automotive applications such as traction inverters or the vehicle’s on-board charger (OBC). As automotive implementations continue and the technology is maturing, GaN and especially SiC also find their way into industrial applications.
- Silicon MOSFET: MOSFETs are essential in power management and control systems. They are used in solar inverters, EV chargers, and energy storage systems to regulate the flow of electricity, ensuring efficient and stable operation. Their ability to handle high currents and voltages makes them indispensable in renewable energy applications.
- Diodes and Transistors: These essential semiconductor components are crucial for the rectification and amplification of electrical signals. In renewable energy systems, diodes are used in solar panels to prevent backflow of current, while transistors are used in power conversion and control circuits. Their reliability and efficiency are vital for the smooth operation of renewable energy systems.
- Power Management ICs: Integrated circuits (ICs) play a key role in monitoring, control, and communication within renewable energy systems. Analog ICs are used for signal processing and conditioning, while logic ICs handle digital control and communication tasks. These ICs ensure precise control and coordination of various components within renewable energy systems, enhancing their efficiency and reliability.
- Energy Harvesting: Energy Harvesting PMICs can efficiently capture, convert and manage energy harvested from ambient sources, such as light (which can be harvested using a photovoltaic cell). These PMICs enable the development of self-powered and environmentally friendly electronic devices, helping mitigate the environmental impact of the billions of batteries produced and discarded each year.
Contributing to a more sustainable world
Nexperia’s commitment to driving sustainable energy solutions through advanced semiconductor technologies is evident in the significant investments in new technologies such as the $200M investment in the Hamburg fab to extend the development of WBG semiconductors and to establish production infrastructure. These innovations are paving the way for more efficient solar panels, faster and more reliable EV charging stations, robust energy storage solutions, highly efficient heat pumps, and intelligent smart home grids. By integrating the latest semiconductor technologies, these systems will become more efficient, reliable, and accessible, accelerating the transition to a sustainable energy future.
Not only is our portfolio helping the world become greener but at Nexperia we are also dedicated to becoming more sustainable. Integrating renewable electricity, advancing our processes and becoming carbon neutral for scope 1 and 2 emissions in 2035. Take a browse through our Nexperia 2023 Sustainability Report (or download an electronic copy), which highlights our efforts to driving positive change.
Future advancements
According to the research behind the International Energy Agency's Renewables 2023 report, renewable capacity additions increased by almost 50% in 2023. The fastest growth rate in the past two decades. As the demand for clean energy grows, so does the need for advanced semiconductor technologies that can meet the rigorous performance and efficiency requirements of modern energy systems.
Ongoing semiconductor innovations will inevitably shape the future of renewable energies. Nexperia is continuously developing new devices based on wide-bandgap technology as well as industry-leading silicon devices to push the boundaries of what is possible in renewable energy applications.
In conclusion, the synergy between renewable energy and semiconductor technologies is driving a profound transformation in the global energy landscape. As semiconductor innovations continue to advance, they will play an increasingly vital role in enabling and optimizing renewable energy systems. This ongoing evolution promises not only to meet the growing energy demands but also to do so in a way that is sustainable, efficient, and environmentally friendly. The future of energy is bright, and it is powered by Nexperia’s relentless advancements in semiconductor technology.
This is the first in a series of blogs that will cover the role of semiconductors in renewable energy applications and how Nexperia is supporting this vital transition. Stay tuned for the next.
