South African manufacturer, repairer, and distributor of electro-mechanical equipment, ACTOM says it has debuted a breakthrough in renewable-energy integration with its localised inverter-integrated transformer.

Developed in collaboration with global inverter company Sungrow, the solution is described as 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, or RMU, and LV combiner box into a single, skid-based, plug-and-play system. The system is designed to reduce on-site complexity while also cutting installation time, project risk, and lifecycle costs.

“By bringing together international technology with local manufacturing, we are accelerating clean energy adoption while building South African skills and industrial capacity,” says ACTOM Distribution Transformers divisional CEO Lee 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,” Mbenge adds.

The integrated solution is set to directly support the development of solar farms, particularly by engineering, procurement and construction contractors who benefit from pre-tested, factory-assembled systems that minimise on-site challenges and accelerate project commissioning.

ACTOM asserts that its 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.

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