Currently under test at TUV Rheinland, Green Energy Solar (GESOLAR) is sampling the first ‘smart’ modules with customers, using National Semiconductor’s ‘SolarMagic’ power optimizer chipset within Huber+Suhner NS3 junction boxes. Pretesting was claimed to show that the GESOLAR smart module could recoup an average of 50% of energy loss and could capture as much as 75% compared to standard panel performance.
“We are excited to introduce the first smart panel to market,” said Stephen Tong, CEO of GESOLAR. “Incorporating National’s SolarMagic chipset in our next generation of GESOLAR modules provides the solar installation owner with the benefits of power optimization performance along with the best-in-class quality of GESOLAR modules.”
“Together, we have designed and developed the first smart panel to go into production,” noted Mike Polacek, senior VP, key market segments and business development, for National Semiconductor.
TUV Rheinland is currently performing the safety and emissions compliance testing to assure that the modules meet ANSI 1703 and IEC 61730 and IEC 61215 safety standards as well as FCC Part 15 (Class A&B) and EN 61000 emissions and immunity standards.
GESOLAR started operations in 2007 with a module manufacturing capacity expected to reach 300MW by the end of 2010, up from 150MW.