TÜV Rheinland has revealed its latest measurement testing in the form of a measurement system for spectral sensitivity and quantum efficiency of PV modules for crystalline and thin-film module manufacturers. The group has established a new spectral measuring station at its solar test center in Cologne, which can measure PV modules with an edge length up to 200cm. The measurement testing, conducted in wavelengths that range from 300 to 1,200 nanometers, is performed in increments of one nanometer. TÜV Rheinland points out that the testing is non-destructive since the modules can be connected to the terminals without interfering with the solar cell circuitry.
Macy’s Goodyear, Arizona online fulfillment center is modeling a new 3.5MW rooftop solar power system. SunPower designed and installed the solar project, which features a SunPower T5 Solar Roof Tile system, and will continue to support the center with operations and maintenance services.
Solar Topps, a solar integrator in Arizona, and Schott Solar have entered into a new solar panel supply agreement. The agreement will see Schott’s solar panels used in future Solar Topps commercial solar power installations, which range from 30kW to 200kW. The solar installations will be based in various cities and business in Arizona including car dealerships, hotels and shopping centers in Tucson, Nogales, Yuma, Tempe and Phoenix.
IKEA’s mission to minimize its impact on the global environment continues with the announcement of six more solar installations to take place on its locations in the Eastern US. Since the beginning of this year, the home design giant has completed a 498kW solar system at its Denver store and a 200kW installation at its Brooklyn facility, while also announcing plans for two solar systems to be installed at store locations in Germany.
Odersun has developed a new software tool, which essentially allows a user to design their own solar modules. Aptly named Solarmodule-Designer, the software lets users create solar modules that will fit an individual building project and system. Size, form, build-up and materials can all be customized by the user so that the modules can easily fit into their solar-integrated roofs and façades.
Solmentum, a residential power sales company, has completed its 1,000th project putting it over 5MW in sales after only two years of being in business. With the milestone, Solmentum is considered one of California’s five largest residential solar companies when it comes to monthly sales.
A thirty-year veteran to the financial management business, Surendra Kumar Gupta will be bringing his experience to his new CFO position with Azure Power. As a member of the company’s executive team, he will support operational and business development financing, project initiatives, create business plans and help advise the board of directors.
BRE Global and TÜV Rheinland will be working together for access to the UK Microgeneration Certification Scheme (MCS) for PV system manufacturers under their newly executed memorandum of understanding (MOU). MCS, a UK-based program, certifies microgeneration technologies under vigorous criteria. Through the companies signed MOU, PV panel manufacturers who use TÜV Rheinland for testing and certification to apply for MCS approval through BRE Global. Ultimately, the MOU will see TÜV Rheinland oversee that testing and factory inspection, while BRE Global finalizes that quality review for the UK market.
Petra Solar is expanding past North America by bring its SunWave Solar Energy Solution to international markets including the Pacific Rim, Europe and Middle East. Its SunWave technology will feature a new Smart Energy Module (SEM), specifically designed for international consumers to convert photovoltaic DC electricity into 230V AC power. Petra Solar’s system has been certified to international grid standards holding, CE, IEC62109, G83, AS/NZS3100 and AS4777 safety and electrical compliance certifications.
Centrosolar and mounting solutions provider Zep Solar have signed a license agreement that will see Centrosolar manufacture Zep compatible module at its Wismar, Germany plant. The signed agreement also calls for the distribution of Zep products throughout Europe by Centrosolar. The companies note that they have mutually modified Zep’s standard frame profile specifically for Centrosolar so that it conforms to European roof application requirements.
