Toscano’s Smart Backup Switching Solution Wins The smarter E AWARD 2025

Key takeaways: 

• COMBI-PRO-MAX enables rapid switching to the island mode within 2 seconds of a power outage and reconnects after grid stabilization 

• The system continuously monitors voltage and automatically resets the MCB once stable conditions are restored 

• It is compatible with multiple Huawei SUN2000 inverter models, supporting residential and small commercial PV applications

COMBI-PRO-MAX, a backup solution from Spain-based Toscano, won The smarter E AWARD 2025 under the Smart Integrated Energy category. 

This solution enables automatic switching between backup and island modes in the event of a power failure, overvoltage, lack of phase, or any other anomaly in the power supply. 

In a PV installation with energy storage, the backup mode refers to the system supplying power to critical loads during a grid outage, typically using energy stored in the battery (charged earlier from either the PV array or the grid). Island mode refers to the system operating independently of the grid – using PV generation and storage to supply power autonomously when the grid is unavailable or intentionally disconnected. 

When there is a power outage, the loads connected downstream of the COMBI-PRO-MAX are disconnected, the neutral phase of the solar inverter is grounded, and an island-mode activation signal is sent to the solar inverter. This reactivates the loads that were initially disconnected, provided there is sufficient battery charge and/or solar energy, switching to the island mode. The signal to activate the island mode is sent within 2 seconds of a power outage. It requires a connection delay of about 180 seconds, depending on the inverter model and operating conditions. 

The system continuously monitors voltage, and in the event of overvoltage (above 255 V) or undervoltage (below 180 V), the MCB trips, and the island mode is activated. Thereafter, the MCB handle cannot be raised manually but will automatically reset when the device detects a stable voltage for at least 3 minutes. The device also incorporates a remote control, which automatically switches off and resets the MCB when it is opened. Additionally, it has a mode switch that allows the installation to be placed in forced island mode, which is used during maintenance. 

The COMBI-PRO-MAX operates at 240 V AC (single or 2-phase, 50-60 Hz) with a power consumption of about 0.3 W. The device is compatible with a range of Huawei SUN2000 inverters, covering both single-phase (2-6 kTL) and 3-phase (3-12 kTL) models.