JA Solar one of the world's largest manufacturers of high-performance PV modules has announced the availability of a new line of easy-to-install Spice Solar frames for the US market. JA Solar modules with Spice frames install faster than ordinary modules with fewer parts, saving rooftop installers time and money on every job.
Problem
An ordinary rack-mounted rooftop system typically requires over 300 individual parts and fasteners. Reducing installation times with fewer required components has a significant cost benefit and reduces the overall Balance of System (BOS) and Levelised Cost of Ownership (LCOE)
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Solution
Spice Solar systems reduces installation costs for rooftop solar by integrating the racking directly in the panel frames, thereby reducing the cost of parts, as well as reducing direct and indirect labor. By eliminating rails and complicated fasteners residential installers in the US only need to stock one system on their trucks that works on all residential roof types, both portrait and landscape orientations, and all typical wind and snow conditions in the US. A Spice system only has the need for 50 parts to install a typical residential rooftop PV array.
Applications
Residential rooftops including flat roofs.
Platform
The Spice version of JA Solar modules utilize 60-cell laminates and a heavy-duty, extruded, aluminum frame. The frame is strong enough to allow the modules to be attached directly to the roof, eliminating racking. JA-Spice Solar modules snap together in rows and columns, can handle up to 72″ attachment spans, and need only one grounding point for each array.
Availability
September 2015 onwards.
