Balance of System

A specialized AC cable harness has been jointly developed and designed by ArrayPower and Phoenix Contact using ArrayPower’s Sequenced Inverter technology. Silicon Valley-based electronics company ArrayPower’s sequenced inverter is paired with a solar module to convert the DC power produced by solar cells into grid-ready, three-phase AC power.

Bisol’s latest generation of EasyMount high density polyethylene (HDPE) mounting systems will be launched at Intersolar Europe next week. This second generation of mounting systems are said to be lighter than their predecessor; made specifically for Bisol’s module range, the mounting systems are claimed to allow more efficient cooling of the PV modules they support.

Multi-Contact’s Westlake junction box (PV-JB/WL-H) has been certified by TÜV and UL following the product’s passing of the DIN EN 60068-2-52:1996 salt mist spray test.

Leading PV module tracking systems supplier DEGERenergie has come to the conclusion that CPV-based technologies, dependent on tracking the sun for correct yields, will remain an unprofitable business for the foreseeable future and as a result has discontinued the sale of its tracking products for the technology.

Solon advised that it had recently finalized an exclusive worldwide licensing deal with Andersen for the use of its Fibrex material in the PV marketplace. The Fibrex vinyl technology is said to be highly durable, stiff, moisture and heat resistant, non-conductive and provides thermal insulating properties.

Centrosolar will present a new, flat roof mounting system for PV modules at Solar Power UK 2011. The Ceniq system enables PV systems to be installed on flat foil roofs at an angle of up to three degrees, without damaging the roof cladding in the process.

Array Technologies has shipped its first solar tracking system for the Sacramento Municipal Utility District’s (SMUD) 50MW PV installation in south Sacramento County, California. The utility-scale project is being developed by Recurrent Energy with Swinerton Renewable Energy acting as the EPC for the installation.

SolarEdge Technologies has gained certification for its module-embedded power optimizers, rendering them ready for commercial deployment. The optimizers, now recognized and listed for use in North America, are embedded as a junction box in smart modules and are capable of arc detection and termination.

Solar racking and mounting system supplier Silverback Solar has extended its engineered racking system warranty to 20 years. Although the previous warranty duration was not specified, the company has made the decision following 10 years’ real-life testing of the systems’ impervious coatings on the attachment and connector equipment, as well as Allied Tube and Conduit’s Gatorshield steel tubing, which is an integral part of Silverback’s mounting systems.

Three years after solar mounting manufacturer Quick Mount PV moved into its present Concord, California facility, the company revealed plans to move all company operations into a larger, 133,000 square foot home base in Walnut Creek, California. The relocation will take place during the middle of the first quarter in 2012, which, the company states, will allow it to meet the ever-increasing demands for its products.