Suntech places bet on smart modules (updated)

Facebook
Twitter
LinkedIn
Reddit
Email

Integrating energy harvesting technologies into crystalline solar modules is fast becoming the latest trend, which promises lower BOS costs compared to bolt-on applications. With the number of companies entering this market mushrooming in 2010, Suntech has decided to collaborate with at least four such firms, Tigo Energy, National Semiconductor, Azuray Technologies, and Enphase Energy. 

Suntech, the largest c-Si module producer, is working on developing the right technologies that integrate both technology solutions into its modules. In May 2009, Suntech said that it was evaluating National Semiconductor’s ‘SolarMagic’ power optimizer chipset.

According to National Semiconductor, real-world tests as part of the original agreement with Suntech revealed its technology could to recoup an average of 50% of energy lost due to shading and module mismatch, and in some cases captured as much as 75% of otherwise lost energy compared to standard panel performance.

Tigo noted that its Energy Maximizer solution is designed to ‘quickly integrate’ into the junction box and provides statistical conversion efficiency of 99.5%, mitigating the need for heat dissipation to be designed into the system. Tigo also claimed that some microinverters created 10W of power radiated as heat that went into the PV module.

Key developments taking place with the technology offerings include the integration of the chipsets into the back of the conventional junction box.

Although timelines were not given as to when ‘smart modules’ would be made commercially available, a growing number of module manufacturers are working to launch integrated solutions in the next 12 months.

UPDATE

This article requires Premium SubscriptionBasic (FREE) Subscription

Unlock unlimited access for 12 whole months of distinctive global analysis

Photovoltaics International is now included.

  • Regular insight and analysis of the industry’s biggest developments
  • In-depth interviews with the industry’s leading figures
  • Unlimited digital access to the PV Tech Power journal catalogue
  • Unlimited digital access to the Photovoltaics International journal catalogue
  • Access to more than 1,000 technical papers
  • Discounts on Solar Media’s portfolio of events, in-person and virtual

Or continue reading this article for free

Suntech has also signed smart panel-related collaboration deals with two other companies: Azuray Technologies and Enphase Energy.

The Chinese solar manufacturer will investigate Azuray's maximum power point tracking (MPPT) DC-to-DC technology, which claims to yield as much as 25% greater solar energy harvest from panels affected by shading, mismatch, or other real-world conditions.

Along with Enphase, Suntech will explore the integration of microinverters into Suntech PV panels to simplify and accelerate solar system installation and maximize energy output.

 

Read Next

Subscribe to Newsletter

Upcoming Events

Solar Media Events
April 10, 2024
Dallas, Texas USA
Solar Media Events
April 17, 2024
Lisbon, Portugal
Solar Media Events
May 1, 2024
Dallas, Texas
Solar Media Events
May 21, 2024
Napa, USA