Huawei Technologies Co., China’s largest phone maker, plans to ship 4 GW of smart solar inverters this year and officially enters into the solar business.

Last year, Huawei tapped its telecommunication technology to develop solar inverters. It shipped about 1GW of products during the first half of 2014, launching the smart PV power business by addling “smart” features, such as digital data collection and analysis, to its solar inverters.

EnergyTrend estimates that 2014’s global solar power demand may be as high as 42GW, solar inverters therefore encounter a good chance. Huawei’s move will lead a competition with SMA Solar Technology AG, a Germany-based solar inverter maker, and Sungrow Power Supply Co. in China.

As SMA revealed job-cuts and lower revenue expectation in the newest financial report, it seems a nice chance for Huawei to enter into the global solar inverter market and establish its position. Meanwhile, Huawei is working with China’s solar power plant investors and operators include Yingli and GCL to improve the device as well as extend its domestic market.

(Photo Credit: Wikipedia)