** Brokerage raises price target on solar inverter maker SolarEdge Technologies SEDG.O to $24 from $20; maintains "underperform" rating

** The new PT represents a downside of 36.7% to the stock's last close

** Brokerage says some investors expect safe harbor and quicker transition to third-party operations, which could potentially dampen the impact of weak residential solar markets

** Adds that it expects revenue of $347 million, 5% above consensus and towards the higher end of its $315mln-$355mln forecast range

** However, brokerage also says it doesn't see SEDG generating positive core profit through 2027 and expects the stock to be pressured unless there is significant improvement in market share and volumes growth

** 23 of 32 brokerages rate the stock "hold", and 9 "sell" or lower; their median PT is $22 - data compiled by LSEG

** Up to last close, stock up 179.1% YTD

(Reporting by Pranav Mathur in Bengaluru)

((Pranav.Mathur@thomsonreuters.com;))