SolarBridge Technologies

Hareon Solar Introduces AC Module in Australia

n.edwards — Mon, 20 May 2013 15:30:25 +0000

Melbourne, Australia, May 20, 2013…Hareon Solar Technology Co. Ltd. (Hareon Solar), one of the largest, vertically integrated PV companies in the world, announced today that it will introduce Hareon AC modules at the Solar 2013 Conference and Expo in Melbourne. Hareon Solar teamed up with SolarBridge Technologies, the leading provider of module-integrated microinverters based in the US, to develop fully integrated AC modules.

Hareon Solar will offer its AC modules with an industry-leading 25 year warranty covering both the modules and the microinverters. Hareon AC modules are shade and mismatch tolerant, thereby increasingenergy yield by as much as 25 percent while reducing design and installation cost as much as 50 percent. A complete AC solution from Hareon Solar will offer the highest value to end customers — with individual module-level monitoring, integrated grounding and increased system safety. A conventional PV system with central inverters can have rooftop DC voltages as high as 1000V. PV systems with Hareon AC modules will operate at the standard grid voltage.

Installers and system owners will be able to monitor system performance via theHareon Power Portal,a web-based management system providing total visibility intoenergy output from each individual module in a beautiful, clean interface.

Dr. Jie Zhang, VP of International Sales for Hareon Solar said: “Hareon Solar is committed to bringing the highest quality PV products and solutions to our customers. The Australian market, with its large residential segment, offers tremendous potential for Hareon ACPV solutions. Our AC modules are designed for safe and reliable operation for 25 yearsand offer a simple, scalable, high-efficiency solution to our customers for lowest LCOE.”

Hareon modules and SolarBridge microinverters are CEC listed with Australia’s Clean Energy Council. Hareon AC modules will be on display at the Hareon Solar booth (#C6) in Solar 2013 Conference and Expo in Melbourne.

“As a market, Australia has demonstrated its eagerness to embrace ACPV for all of its benefits – better energy harvest, better performance visibility and a plug-and-play installation that is second to none,” said Ron Van Dell, president and CEO, SolarBridge Technologies. “We are pleased to partner with Hareon on this important product launch.”

About Hareon Solar
Hareon Solar Technology Co. Ltd., (Shanghai Stock Exchange: 600401) is one of the largest solar companies in the world. Hareon Solar, through its subsidiaries, designs, manufactures and markets solar cells and modules. Hareon employs over 10,000 people worldwide with solar cell manufacturing capacity exceeding 1.5 GW, module manufacturing capacity exceeding 1 GW, and is investing and operating solar plants over 200 MW globally. Hareon has international subsidiaries in US, Germany, Switzerland, Japan, and Australia. For more information about Hareon Solar Technology Co., Ltd., please visit www.hareonsolar.com

About SolarBridge Technologies
SolarBridge Technologies, a leader in integrated microinverter technologies for the solar industry, is accelerating the adoption of solar energy in residential and commercial applications. The SolarBridge AC Module System—featuring the SolarBridge Pantheon II microinverter, Power Manager and Power Portal—dramatically increases the efficiency and reliability of PV systems, while reducing the cost of energy. The SolarBridge microinverter matches the lifetime of solar modules, enabling module manufacturers to provide a 25-year warranty on AC modules. The company is headquartered in Austin, Texas. For more information, visit www.solarbridgetech.com.

SolarBridge Adds to Executive Team

n.edwards — Mon, 13 May 2013 15:21:45 +0000

Bill Mulligan Appointed Executive Chairman; Greg Vance Joins as VP Engineering

Austin, Texas (May 13, 2013) SolarBridge Technologies (SolarBridge), a leading provider of PV microinverter solutions, today announced two additions to its executive staff. Bill Mulligan becomes executive chairman of SolarBridge, and Greg Vance joins the company as VP of Engineering. Both roles are seen as key to driving the rapid growth of SolarBridge’s innovative, award-winning solar power electronics solutions in the marketplace.

A renowned expert in the solar industry, Bill Mulligan was appointed to the board of SolarBridge in 2011. In his new role as executive chairman, Mulligan will drive the company’s continued development of leading-edge power electronics solutions. Mulligan served as vice president of research and development for SunPower from 1998 until 2010, during which time SunPower grew from a company of 40 employees to more than 5,000. He led the development of their low-cost, one-sun silicon PV cell technology and under his leadership SunPower developed and commercialized the world’s highest efficiency solar panel. Prior to SunPower Mulligan held roles at JX Crystals Inc., National Renewable Energy Lab (NREL), AstroPower Inc. and Fairchild/National Semiconductor.

As VP of Engineering, Greg Vance will be responsible for hardware and software product development, program management and global engineering of SolarBridge microinverters, Power Manager gateway and Power Portal web-based monitoring system. Vance served in senior management roles at Dell Inc. for the past 15 years. At Dell, Vance oversaw Dell’s high end, four-socket server design as well as key functional areas including enterprise power engineering, memory engineering, project management as well as ECAD and engineering software tools development. As senior director of server platform development, he was the primary point of contact for key co-development OEM efforts between Dell and Intel. He began his tenure with Dell as a senior development manager responsible for the development of Dell’s dual processor Precision workstations.

Prior to Dell, Vance spent five years in engineering development and management roles with InterGraph, where he developed industry-leading, high-end multiprocessor workstations. Vance holds a Bachelor of Science in Electrical Engineering from the University of Alabama in Huntsville.

“These additions to our team are fundamental to the continued expansion of our product offerings and our global footprint as a company,” said Ron Van Dell, president and CEO of SolarBridge. “We have entered a period of rapid and prolonged growth and this expansion of our executive team is key to taking our company to a higher level of total business execution.”

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About SolarBridge Technologies

SolarBridge Technologies, a leader in integrated microinverter technologies for the solar industry, is accelerating the adoption of rooftop solar energy in residential and commercial applications. SolarBridge’s patented Pantheon microinverter mounts directly onto solar panels, greatly increasing system efficiency and reliability, while reducing the cost of solar installation and maintenance. The Pantheon microinverter is designed to match the lifetime of solar panels, enabling manufacturers to provide a 25-year warranty on their AC modules. The company is headquartered in Austin, Texas. For more information, visit www.solarbridgetech.com.

Media Contact:
Nancy Edwards
512-583-5315
n.edwards@solarbridgetech.com

Hareon Solar announces joint development of Hareon AC modules with SolarBridge Technologies

n.edwards — Tue, 07 May 2013 16:14:57 +0000

Shanghai, China, May 6, 2013 – Hareon Solar Technology Co. Ltd. (Hareon Solar), one of the largest, vertically integrated PV companies in the world, announced today that it has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with SolarBridge Technologies to jointly develop Hareon AC modules. Hareon plans to bring certified AC modules with integrated SolarBridge Pantheon II microinverters to markets in Australia and North America in the 2nd half of 2013.

Hareon AC modules will increase energy output by as much as 25% compared with DC systems, while cutting design and installation costs as much as 50%. A complete AC module solution from Hareon Solar will feature individual module-level monitoring through a multi-platform, web-based management system, providing installers total visibility into system performance. Paired with the Pantheon II – a 208V/240V auto-sense microinverter – the Hareon AC module will be suitable for single and three-phase installations.

With panel-integrated grounding and no high-voltage DC wiring, the Hareon AC module system will greatly increase system safety. A conventional PV system with central inverters can have rooftop DC voltages as high as 1000V. PV systems with Hareon AC modules will operate at each country’s standard grid voltage.

Dr. Guoqiang Xing, CTO of Hareon Solar said “Hareon Solar’s AC modules will be instrumental in driving down the cost of residential and small commercial PV worldwide by offering our customers the most reliable and high performing AC solutions in the world, while lowering the overall system cost. We are pleased to be working with SolarBridge whose microinverter technology is key to Hareon AC modules.”

“AC modules are the standard bearer for high-efficiency, reliable PV systems,” said Ron Van Dell, president and CEO of SolarBridge Technologies. “Our partnership with Hareon, a leader in vertical integration, will help drive massive adoption through cost parity of ACPV systems worldwide.”

About Hareon Solar
Hareon Solar Technology Co. Ltd., (Shanghai Stock Exchange: 600401) is one of the largest solar companies in the world. Hareon Solar, through its subsidiaries, designs, manufactures and markets solar cells and modules. Hareon employs over 10,000 people worldwide with solar cell manufacturing capacity exceeding 1.5 GW, module manufacturing capacity exceeding 1 GW, and is investing and operating solar plants over 200 MW globally. Hareon has international branch locations in US, Germany, Switzerland and Japan. For more information about Hareon Solar Technology Co., Ltd., please visit www.hareonsolar.com

Don’t be fooled by AC Solar Module Pretenders

n.edwards — Mon, 06 May 2013 14:36:33 +0000

As originally published in Solar Power World (May 3, 2013)

By Steve Wurmlinger and Terence Parker

Editor’s Note: With the proliferation of ACPV systems in the United States, installers today must know how to tell the difference between true AC modules and DC modules with field-attached microinverters. As is often the case in the solar industry, the devil is in the details — so here’s a quick overview of the regulatory, testing and manufacturing distinctions that make a true AC module.

AC modules are defined in the U.S. National Electric Code (NEC) as “a complete, environmentally protected unit consisting of solar cells, optics, inverter and other components, exclusive of tracker, designed to generate AC power when exposed to sunlight.” The NEC Article 690 requires equipment such as AC modules to be listed for the application. Manufacturers and authorities having jurisdiction (AHJ’s) typically rely on Nationally Recognized Testing Laboratories (NRTLs) for this evaluation and Listing/Certification. A true AC module will be Listed/Certified as an AC module by a Nationally Recognized Testing Laboratory (NRTL).

The evaluation and listing of the AC module requires the use of two UL standards, UL1741 and UL1703. UL1741 contains the requirements for the combination of the inverter with the PV module and also references some tests from UL1703 depending on the mounting arrangement of the microinverter to the PV module. The components that make up the AC module assembly may also be individually evaluated and listed to these standards or requirements from these standards combined with requirements from other appropriate UL standards. For example, the PV module is evaluated to UL1703 and the microinverter is evaluated to UL1741 (including IEEE1547 to be identified as utility interactive) along with some of the environmental requirements from UL1703. UL has also recently released an outline of investigation for the AC connectors that combine connector requirements from other UL connector standards with UL1703 environmental tests.

The SolarBridge Pantheon microinverter was evaluated and certified by Canadian Standards Association (CSA), a U.S. NRTL, to UL 1741 2nd Edition (including IEEE1547) as a component for use with listed AC modules. Additionally, the SolarBridge Pantheon microinverter is tested to environmental protection requirements from UL 1703 such as:

Humidity Freeze, 10 cycles (HF10), followed by wet insulation resistance and dielectric strength
Thermal Cycle 200 (TC200), followed by wet insulation resistance and dielectric strength
Sequential TC200 and HF10 followed by dielectric and Ground Continuity test.

Assembly of an AC module should be performed in a factory under follow-up inspection control of the NRTL that performed the evaluation/listing. Factory assembly with dedicated quality control is critical to ACPV reliability and allows for the AC module to maintain UL1741 listing. This is a major advantage over field-assembled ACPV systems consisting of PV modules and separate microinverters installed underneath or non-listed assemblies as discussed later in this article.

AC Module Cables

AC modules with factory-integrated SolarBridge microinverters include SolarBridge special-use AC cables evaluated to various parts of UL’s AC Connector Standards and UL 1703 for use in outdoor PV applications.

The AC Connectors are locking type, suitable for disconnection under load and are designed to withstand extreme outdoor conditions. They will not deform at high temperatures that can be encountered in ACPV applications, can tolerate complete immersion in water without failure and will withstand UL-standard impact tests at temperatures as low as -35°C.

The jacketed multiconductor AC cables used are XLPE designated as Tray Cable-Extended Run (“TC-ER”) type, outdoor rated and designed for wiring in free air and/or for management within standard AC wiring components such as exterior wire tray. Clips are provided for neat and secure cable management using the AC module frame.

ACPV Systems

AC modules are connected together to form an ACPV system, and if the ACPV system is constructed using listed AC modules evaluated for the application, installers can look to Section 690.6 of the U.S. NEC for installation requirements. There are other installation designs, however, that can be called ACPV systems. These include designs where the microinverter is installed near the PV module (a “detached” microinverter) or, in some cases, bolted to the frame of the PV module at an assembly location off-site, or on-site just before installation (non-listed).

Section 690.6 (A) states “the requirements of Article 690 pertaining to PV source circuits (i.e. DC circuits) shall not apply to AC modules.” However, installers must follow all guidance provided throughout Article 690 when installing ACPV systems using detached microinverters or non-listed assemblies where the microinverter is bolted onto the PV module frame on-site or at some facility unassociated with the PV module manufacturer. This means that the installer will need to consider requirements such as: DC ground fault detection and interrupt, DC cable management, DC disconnecting means and DC grounding as well as the AC equipment grounding conductor to the inverter.

Not Quite AC Modules

Installers should be especially cautious with AC modules without any certification markings to support the assembled product. Look for the NRTL Listing or Certification mark along with identification that it is an AC module evaluated to UL1741. The markings will include AC ratings and the term “utility interactive,” which identifies compliance to IEEE1547. AC modules will have at least one ratings/nameplate label with the AC module NRTL mark and AC ratings, but also may be provided with the DC PV module listing label and ratings.

PV modules that have inverters attached without an AC module evaluation by a NRTL may violate the original listing of the PV module and even void the warranty of the module.

AC modules powered by SolarBridge microinverters are covered by one warranty from the module manufacturer. SolarBridge works closely with the module manufacturers to assure product safety requirements are met, the AC module is listed and the microinverter is paired correctly with the module (ratings and mounting). This includes evaluations to assure the PV module will pass rated loads after the inverter is attached. Improper mounting could impact the PV module rails or result in damage to the PV module back sheet material.

If the assembly is not evaluated and listed by a NRTL or constructed outside the PV-module factory, installers could be liable for installing unwarranted products that may not be safe and/or may not qualify for state or federal rebate/incentive programs. Installers and inspectors should always check the manufacturer’s product documentation and look for the AC module label on the back of the unit.

Steve Wurmlinger is senior regulatory engineer at SolarBridge Technologies.

Terence Parker is an applications engineering manager at SolarBridge Technologies.

What are the Advantages of ACPV?

n.edwards — Thu, 18 Apr 2013 19:29:28 +0000

As originally published in SolarPowerWorld (April 17, 2013)…Microinverters are not a new concept. Since the earliest days of the PV industry, solar engineers and entrepreneurs have sought to create grid-compatible AC power direct from a solar panel. Some of the first commercial microinverters appeared in the mid-1990s, including the SunSine AC Module developed by Ascension Technologies. In fact, one of the first ACPV systems, delivered to the U.S. Pentagon in 1994, is still functioning today.

Microinverters all but disappeared from the market in the early 2000s, due to their high cost and relatively low efficiency. But over the last five years, rapid advances in semiconductor technology and improvements in efficiency and reliability have made microinverters a viable alternative to central inverters. Today, ACPV systems account for more than 30% of all residential and small commercial (<100kW) installations in the U.S., according to IMS. And their share is expected to continue to grow.

In fact, many industry analysts agree that in the next five to ten years all solar panels will include some form of distributed electronics. These could include DC to DC optimizers, detached microinverters and a new category of AC modules with integrated microinverters.

Advantages of ACPV Manufacturers say the advantages of solar microinverters include a simplified design, installation, and most compellingly, improved uptime over other systems as there is no single point of failure in the PV system. System owners easily comprehend the bottom-line benefits of module-level monitoring and maximum power point tracking. It’s actually hard to understand how the rooftop PV industry has grown to the point it is today without system owners having regular awareness of how their own systems are performing.

Microinverter monitoring systems help operators keep tabs on an entire portfolio of systems at the module—rather than the system—level. No more time-consuming truck rolls to diagnose a non-functioning array; module-level monitoring pinpoints the performance of every solar microinverter and module. Consumer views of monitoring systems provide PV owners peace of mind that their system is running properly. When presented as part of a module company or installer’s offering, monitoring systems are a nice added value service.

Detached Micros vs. AC Module Systems The category of “ACPV systems” includes both detached microinverters and integrated AC modules, reflecting the two ways these systems are wired together in the field:

• Detached microinverter systems: Individual solar microinverters and PV modules are installed as a pair (making a DC connection in the field), both units typically within a foot of each other. The assembly is then wired in parallel with other assemblies creating an AC branch circuit. • AC module systems: Microinverters are factory-installed onto PV modules and the integrated units are brought to the field as a certified assembly. AC modules are wired in parallel to other AC modules, creating an AC branch circuit.

It’s important for installers to understand the regulatory and practical differences between these two systems. The NFPA 70 National Electrical Code (NEC) defines an AC module as a complete, environmentally protected unit consisting of solar cells, an inverter and other components, exclusive of a tracking system, designed to produce AC power from the sunlight. AC modules must be evaluated by a Nationally Recognized Testing Laboratory (NRTL) using both UL 1741 and UL 1703. Detached solar microinverters are tested to UL 1741, but not UL 1703.

“Combinations of PV modules and microinverters combined/assembled in the field or at the dealer or distributor do not meet the intent, definition or requirements associated with true ACPV modules as defined in 690.2 and in 690.6,” wrote John Wiles in his article, “Microinverters and ACPV Modules are Different Beasts” (IAEI News, May/June 2012).

There are also differences in the way AC modules are installed vs. detached microinverters. For example, AC modules do not require a separate equipment grounding conductor (EGC) run to the inverter or the frame of the module, because the frame is grounded to the microinverter chassis and bonded to the integrated EGC within the interconnecting cable system. The entire EGC path (including the grounding between inverter and PV module) is evaluated as part of the listing certification by the NRTL.

For more details on the differences between detached microinverters and AC modules, installers and inspectors should consult NEC Article 690, Section 690.6. In addition, SolarTech has published the Microinverter and ACPV Module Application Guide. To download a copy or provide feedback, visit www.solartech.org.

Solar Leasing Embraces ACPV: SolarBridge Partners with Sunnova, ET to Offer TrueAC Solar Leases

n.edwards — Thu, 18 Apr 2013 19:22:07 +0000

AUSTIN, TX (April 18, 2013)…Homeowners in search of flexible financing for their solar systems now have a product option that dramatically increases energy harvest and improves system uptime: ACPV systems. In a partnership with residential lease provider Sunnova, TrueAC^TM module systems from ET Solar and SolarBridge Technologies will now be offered to Sunnova’s residential lease customers.

Sunnova’s decision to include TrueAC systems in their product portfolio signals a move by the solar leasing industry toward increasingly plug-and-play systems that reduce installation as well as operations and maintenance (O&M) costs. Sunnova selected ET AC modules powered by SolarBridge microinverters because of their higher power output and quality-focused factory-integration of the SolarBridge microinverter with ET solar panels.

“Sunnova is very particular when it comes to selecting our partners,” said Jordan Fruge, senior vice president of sales, Sunnova. “SolarBridge and ET are great fits for our program, because like Sunnova they are both extremely focused on equipping contractors and installers with innovative, high-quality solutions that will efficiently grow their businesses.”

Every ET AC module system comes equipped with a gateway device that provides module-level monitoring and cloud-to-cloud access of site performance for contractors, site owners and leasing companies. This enhanced fleet visibility is ideal for solar lease providers eager to reduce O&M costs and actively troubleshoot any performance gaps.

“TrueAC modules are well-suited for the leasing model because of their design flexibility, ease of installation as well as their robust management capabilities capturing the performance of every module and microinverter,” said Craig Lawrence, vice president of marketing, SolarBridge Technologies. “For financial leasing companies this performance visibility translates directly to the bottom line.”

The solar leasing industry now accounts for a growing percentage of all residential installations in the U.S. The introduction of TrueAC systems to the leasing marketplace from companies like Sunnova will enable even more homes to qualify for solar, since ACPV systems maximize energy harvest regardless of roof orientation or shading. TrueAC systems are especially attractive because their plug-and-play design cuts installation time up to 50 percent – a huge advantage for solar lease providers looking to scale the number of sites installed per day.

As with all TrueAC systems powered by SolarBridge, ET AC modules are certified as a complete AC module assembly to UL 1741 with additional evaluations performed from UL 1703. The complete system is warrantied for 25 years, end-to-end.

About SolarBridge Technologies

SolarBridge Technologies, a leader in integrated microinverter technologies for the solar industry, is accelerating the adoption of solar energy in residential and commercial applications. The SolarBridge AC Module System—featuring the SolarBridge Pantheon II microinverter, Power Manager and Power Portal—dramatically increases the efficiency and reliability of PV systems, while reducing the cost of energy. The SolarBridge microinverter matches the lifetime of solar modules, enabling module manufacturers to provide a 25-year warranty on AC modules. The company is headquartered in Austin, Texas. For more information, visit www.solarbridgetech.com.

About Sunnova

Sunnova is a leading residential solar financing provider with a management team that has financed solar for more than 3,000 homes and 22 MW of residential solar throughout the United States. With a thorough understanding of the market and deep industry experience, Sunnova is focused on making solar a simple and affordable option for homeowners. Sunnova provides a solar leasing solution in Arizona, California, Colorado, Delaware, Hawaii, Massachusetts, Maryland, New Jersey, New Mexico, New York, and Texas with plans to add additional states in the near future. For more information, visit www.sunnova.com.

About ET Solar
ET Solar Inc., the U.S. subsidiary of ET Solar, offers 24X7 Tech and sales support to the U.S. market. With two established sales offices and warehouses in California and New Jersey, ET solar can offer customers quick response such as in/out field technical support and worry-free product replacement. To learn more about ET Solar, please visit www.etsolar.com.

# # #

Media Contacts:

Nancy Edwards
SolarBridge Technologies
n.edwards@solarbridgetech.com
512/583-5315

Rikki Calvert
Sunnova
Rikki.calvert@sunnova.com

Terry Sholin
terry.sholin@etsolar.us
707-485-1738

Solarland Announces Release of AC Modules in Australia

n.edwards — Tue, 09 Apr 2013 14:58:48 +0000

Roof-Ready Units Ease Installation and

Increase Energy Harvest and System Reliability

Sydney, Australia (April 8, 2013) – Solarland Australia, a joint venture of Solarland in Australia, announces the immediate availability of AC Modules, a new product category that puts Solarland at the cutting edge of the rapidly emerging market for integrated microinverters. Solarland AC Modules are factory-fitted with microinverters from U.S.-based SolarBridge Technologies, a leader in high-power microinverter solutions for AC Modules.

AC Modules convert DC power to AC power for the grid, providing up to 25 percent better energy harvest for a PV system. AC Modules are also a safer solution, with no high-voltage DC wiring on the roof.

“Our market experience has demonstrated that AC Modules offer a huge advantage for our customers. It is a significant market segment in some countries — as yet largely untapped in Australia. In addition, factory integration of the microinverter onto the module reduces the time, cost and hassle for our solar dealers,” said Sam Andrews, Solarland Australia Managing Director.

Solarland will offer specially designated part numbers for its AC Modules that are fitted with SolarBridge Pantheon II microinverters and which were recently awarded Clean Energy Council (CEC) approval in Australia and have been available in the US market since 2011. Solarland AC modules come with a standard 25-year warranty for the module and the microinverter, managed as a single, end-to-end warranty by Solarland Australia.

“Australia represents a huge market opportunity for solar and for AC Modules, but also a respectable challenge from a rooftop thermals perspective,” said Ron Van Dell, president and CEO of SolarBridge Technologies. “Our microinverters have a unique architecture that is tailor-made for the extreme temperatures of Australia, and we’ve demonstrated to Solarland that we meet their extremely high standards for product qualification.”

The SolarBridge Pantheon II microinverter was evaluated by Austest Laboratories to AS4777.2, AS4777.3, AS/NZS 3100, AS/NZS 60950 and AS 60529. In addition to these inverter safety standards, Solarland has conducted its own reliability tests to simulate the extreme conditions that are unique to Australia and satisfy itself that the product will provide real advantages for solar system owners.

“A number of local companies have recently begun supplying microinverters in Australia. As a module manufacturer, we are in a unique position to understand how these products will work together. By choosing to integrate a SolarBridge Pantheon II into our AC Module rather than simply supplying microinverters, we can control the manufacturing process in a quality-assured factory and deliver more robust solutions,” said Andrews.

Solarland AC Modules provide access to new market segments, the ability to maximize energy production on difficult roofs and provide far better monitoring of system performance for consumers.

“With many states already experiencing rooftop penetration levels in excess of 30%, the opportunity for technological solutions on difficult roofs is enormous. Small and multi azimuth roof areas, unusual shapes, shading obstructions and upgrades are all markets ideally suited to AC Modules,” Andrews said.

Technical product support for end users will be jointly looked after through SolarBridge’s support staff based in Melbourne and Solarland’s own staff who have been specially trained in the products.

To learn more about microinverters and AC Modules, visit www.solarland.com.au/acmodules.aspx. To order AC Modules direct from Solarland, visit www.solarland.com.au.

About Solarland

Solarland Australia, the joint venture of Solarland International and a group of local Australian renewable energy professionals, is the wholesale supplier of Solarland’s products in Australia. Solarland is a world class manufacturer of PV panels based out of Wuxi, China and exports its products around the world. Based in Sydney, New South Wales, Solarland Australia supplies a range of Clean Energy Council-approved, on-grid and off-grid products to the Australian and Pacific region. For more information, visit www.solarland.com.au.

About SolarBridge Technologies

SolarBridge Technologies, a leader in integrated microinverter technologies for the solar industry, is accelerating the adoption of solar energy in residential and commercial applications. The SolarBridge AC Module System – featuring the SolarBridge Pantheon II microinverter, Power Manager and Power Portal – dramatically increases the efficiency and reliability of PV systems, while reducing the cost of solar energy. The SolarBridge microinverter matches the lifetime of solar modules, enabling module manufacturers to provide a 25-year warranty on their AC modules. The company is headquartered in Austin, Texas. For more information, visit www.solarbridgetech.com.

Solarland Media Contact:
Sam Andrews, Solarland Australia
Email: sam.andrews@solarland.com.au
Tel: 02 9450 2095

SolarBridge Media Contact:
Nancy Edwards, SolarBridge Technologies
Email: n.edwards@solarbridgetech.com
Tel. Direct: (512) 583-5315

Low Voltage, High Potential

aaron.ryan — Thu, 21 Mar 2013 16:22:51 +0000

Solar Builder Magazine (March 20, 2013) – by Kelly Pickerel – The AC module combines a powerful solar panel with a microinverter, joining both pieces at the factory and selling it as one. Instead of solely being a microinverter manufacturer, SolarBridge Technologies sees itself as an AC module enabler.

AC modules are a simple and attractive option for the residential solar market, and their quick adoption could help promote rapid residential growth. When discussing the potential impact solar can have on the homeowning market with individuals at companies like SolarBridge Technologies — a manufacturer of AC module technology — you can hear the initial frustration with the slow-moving adoption rate of solar but then the excitement of what simpler technology could bring.

“There are about 200,000 [U.S.] homes that have put solar on their roofs compared to the total population of nearly 70 million single family homes. It’s really the tip of the iceberg,” says Craig Lawrence, vice president of marketing for SolarBridge. “Our belief is that to grow this market to its potential, an enormous workforce of solar contractors need to be trained, and that AC modules represent the most simple, safe, and effective means to mobilize that workforce.”

Using microinverters to quickly switch DC power over to AC at the panel level isn’t a foreign concept. But integrating that microinverter directly with the module and offering it as one product is becoming more of the norm, thanks to companies like SolarBridge.

BUILDING PARTNERSHIPS
The idea for SolarBridge Technologies was born in 2004 when University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign professors and researchers started commercializing power electronics products. The team packed up and moved to Austin, Texas, and decided to focus exclusively on solar and microinverters in 2008, and that’s when things started to take off. The company today has about 85 employees and continues to have a close R&D relationship with the university.

SolarBridge produces the Pantheon microinverter (now on its second generation) and monitoring system but partners directly with module manufacturers to offer customers a full package with one extended warranty. Modules usually have much longer warranties than inverters, so to have a microinverter on the same level as the module, an all-encompassing warranty is an ideal situation for the end-customer.

“Modules are robust and reliable devices, with a greater than 25-year life expectancy,” Lawrence says. “For a module manufacturer to integrate a microinverter on their panel and include it in their warranty, we need to prove to them that the microinverter can withstand the same harsh conditions that their modules are designed to handle. We have proven that to every module manufacturer we have partnered with.”

SolarBridge tests its inverters to the same standards as modules — something that is not required for certification. This extra step by SolarBridge ensures its partner companies (SolarBridge boasts eight partnerships, including SunPower and MAGE Solar) that the Pantheon microinverter is the real deal.

“Our competitors focus on selling a detached microinverter; the reason is we don’t think their product has the reliability needed to make it onto an AC module,” Lawrence says. Having a single warranty for the panels, microinverter and cabling is considerably more valuable to project owners.

“There’s nothing stopping other microinverter companies from hooking up with panel manufacturers to produce AC systems, but SolarBridge’s lengthy warranty really sets them apart,” says Terence Parker, applications engineering manager. “We’re passionate about reliability. We redesigned the inverter and put it through extensive reliability testing before we decided we could offer a 25-year warranty.”

INSTALLER-FRIENDLY
St. Louis-based contractor StraightUp Solar has installed more than 2 MW of solar power systems around the great Gateway Arch in the last six years. In 2012, StraightUp started installing SunPower modules with the SolarBridge technology.

“We continue to install DC systems; however, many customers choose and enjoy the benefits of AC,” says StraightUp President Dane Glueck. “Our goal is to optimize the customer’s goals and provide a solar array that maximizes their investment over the long term. This means providing a solar array that is designed with their input and goals, that maximizes their usable solar space and meets their financial parameters. SolarBridge’s AC technology allows us more freedom to customize the design and feel good that we’re offering a dependable product that maximizes solar production.”

Homeowners get the usual microinverter-related benefits from an AC system — better production when shading and location are issues — but the real difference in an AC system is for the installer. There is no exposure to any shock hazard, a greater speed on roof installation because of integrated grounding and cabling and a quicker commission.

“This product, this AC module, was an inevitable milestone that had to be obtained for the PV industry,” Parker says. “High voltage DC systems turned a lot of well-trained electricians off. It really took the roofers completely out of the game. You really need experience to put in these high voltage DC systems that dominate the industry today.”

A standard AC module system runs on 240 volts, which is a safer alternative than DC systems and easier for the average electrician to understand.

“These systems are more familiar to inspectors. They’re more common as far as the components that go with them — besides the panels, these parts can be found at Home Depot,” Parker says. “It is the new installation paradigm. It’s a new product that will allow more homebuilders, electricians [and] roofing trades to get into this business and start saturating, making the dream of distributed generation come true.”

No specialized training is needed in string size and design. An average electrician already has enough knowledge to install an AC module.

“You wire these up as you would any other AC appliance in your home — an oven or a dryer,” Lawrence says. “If you want to go from 200,000 homes to 2 million homes, think of the number of installers and system designers that are going to need to be trained. They’ll want to be trained on this solution because they already know how to do it. There are very little new, specialized skills. An AC module is a true appliance — it’s designed to plug into standard home wiring as anything else.”

ROOM TO GROW
Once more homeowners and installers are shown that difficult solar plans are made easier with the AC module, SolarBridge believes there will be a shift in AC vs. DC acceptance. StraightUp Solar is spearheading that effort in St. Louis.

“We’re primarily utilizing AC modules on small and larger residential projects ranging from 2 to 10 kW,” Glueck says. “We, and our customers, really believe that this is where the AC systems provide the best combination of benefits: freedom in system design, mitigating shade, maximizing production and sharing the data on the benefits of the solar production via the web-based monitoring systems.”

As in all residential solar systems, the upfront costs are surprising, but in the case of ACPV, long-term considerations are more important. String inverters usually have to be replaced over the life of the system, while a microinverter keeps on kicking. And with SolarBridge’s warranty guarantee, that’s a promise. Also, BOS costs (like wiring and conduit) are reduced with a pre-assembled AC module system, as is installation time and energy.

“Consider this: Your SUV provides you a service. It takes the kids to school, you drive it on vacation. But it’s just going to continue to suck money throughout its entire life,” Parker says. “With a solar system, eventually it will have paid for its capital costs and start making you money. It truly does have a payback period. It’s good for family cash flow. It’s good for that monthly bill reduction. And it’s safe — a mother can feel safe that the [AC] solar system on the roof is very similar to every other electrical system in the home.

“I feel very confident and bullish about why these systems will begin to dominate the markets.”

Australian Manufacturer Tindo Solar Partners With SolarBridge Technologies

Lindsey Hodge — Mon, 11 Mar 2013 18:59:29 +0000

Adelaide, South Australia (March 1, 2013)…Tindo Solar, the Australian designer and manufacturer of photovoltaic solar panels, announces today a partnership with SolarBridge Technologies to include their microinverters in the Tindo Karra-250 AC Module.

The manufacturing of the Tindo Karra AC module will continue to take place at Tindo Solar’s Mawson Lakes facility in Australia.

The Tindo AC Module is different from conventional DC panels as it generates 240Vac power ready to be plugged into the grid. This differs from a conventional DC solar panel, which needs to be connected in series and parallel to feed via a single inverter that converts it to 240Vac.

Tindo AC Modules do not suffer from the “Christmas light effect” evident in series-connected DC panels, which work only as well we as the weakest panel in the group. So as DC panels age, or if one panel is dirtier than its neighbouring panel, the entire solar array suffers. Tindo AC Modules are different, with each panel being individually controlled and maximized and not affected by its neighbour.

Tindo Karra AC modules are designed for residential as well as commercial systems, owing to their inherent flexibility, reliability and lower maintenance. AC modules simplify rooftop designs due to their ability to maximize the power output of each solar panel individually, making them ideal for any rooftop or ground mount installation.

Tindo AC Modules are a complete assembly that includes the solar panel, inverter, cabling and earthing in an integrated, plug-and-play product. The simplicity, quality, reliability and improved safety of Tindo AC modules make them extremely easy to install – cutting rooftop installation time as much as 50 percent over DC installations.

Tindo AC solar panels continue to come with a 25-year guarantee on the module as well as the module-integrated microinverter, whereas conventional string inverters tend to offer only five-year warranties.

Said Richard Inwood, Managing Director of Tindo Solar: “We have selected to include the SolarBridge Technologies microinverter on our module as it is a purpose built AC module inverter designed from the ground up to withstand extreme temperature fluctuations from -40degC to +85degC which is critical for our AC modules as they are designed and built exclusively for the Australian market.”

Tindo Solar Contact Person is:
Richard Inwood
Manager of People and Business
0428 606 420
richard@tindosolar.com

Factory-Built AC Modules Coming to Australian Solar Market

n.edwards — Wed, 27 Feb 2013 02:30:32 +0000

SolarBridge Technologies Announces Australian Certification and
Availability of SolarBridge Microinverters

Austin, Texas (Feb. 27, 2013) – SolarBridge Technologies (SolarBridge), the leading provider of integrated microinverters for AC modules, announces that it has achieved Clean Energy Council (CEC) approval for its SolarBridge Pantheon II microinverter in Australia. SolarBridge also received a Certificate of Suitability for its microinverter from the New South Wales Office of Fair Trading.

The approval of SolarBridge products in Australia is an important milestone for the company, whose microinverters are currently being deployed in AC module installations in the U.S., Canada, Mexico, Taiwan and the Philippines.

A fundamental difference between SolarBridge and other microinverters is that SolarBridge exclusively partners with PV manufacturers to create TrueAC^TM modules and factory fit – rather than retrofit – their products with DC modules. “Factory integration reduces time on the roof, simplifies purchasing, delivery and support, and crucially, allows us to work in partnership with PV manufacturers to ensure the highest level of quality control possible in a factory environment,” said Ron Van Dell, president and CEO, SolarBridge Technologies.

SolarBridge has a growing number of module manufacturer partners in Australia who will bring AC modules factory-fitted with SolarBridge microinverters to market. In the highly competitive Australian solar industry, differentiated products offer an advantage to solar retailers. AC modules also provide access to new market segments, the ability to maximize energy production on difficult roofs and provide far greater levels of information on system performance to consumers. AC modules from SolarBridge qualified partners have been selling in the U.S. since 2011.

With electricity rates among the highest in the world at AU$0.25/kW (US$0.26), Australia has already reached socket parity with solar energy at residential rates. More than 900,000 homes in Australia have already installed PV with almost 2.2GW of cumulative capacity, according to the Clean Energy Regulator. Despite fluctuations in regional incentive programs, Australia is currently ranked the world’s 8^th largest PV market and has had extraordinary growth in recent years. As another round of electricity price rises approaches, an increasing number of homeowners will turn to solar for relief, and AC module systems with pre-installed microinverters provide a simpler, safer and more reliable solution that also generates more power per home.

“We’ve introduced our technology to Australia because of the unique climatic challenges and the need for innovative solar solutions here,” Van Dell said. “Our product was built from the ground up to withstand extreme temperature swings and thermal spikes, and to match the reliability of the world’s leading PV modules. That’s why we are here, working with module manufacturers to offer AC modules with a 25-year-warranty.”

The SolarBridge Pantheon II microinverter was evaluated by Austest Laboratories to AS4777.2, AS4777.3, AS/NZS 3100, AS/NZS 60950 and AS 60529. In addition to these inverter safety standards, SolarBridge performs additional reliability tests to simulate the extreme rooftop conditions experienced by PV modules, particularly in Australia.

Technical product support for end users and partners will be managed by a dedicated SolarBridge support centre based in Melbourne, Australia. ”We know that high-quality, timely support is a key element to providing great service,” Van Dell noted. Complementing their technical support centre, an Australian web portal will provide 24/7 access to performance data for local customers.

About SolarBridge Technologies

SolarBridge Technologies, a leader in integrated microinverter technologies for the solar industry, is accelerating the adoption of solar energy in residential and commercial applications. The SolarBridge AC Module System – featuring the SolarBridge Pantheon II microinverter, Power Manager and Power Portal – dramatically increases the efficiency and reliability of PV systems, while reducing the cost of solar energy. The SolarBridge microinverter matches the lifetime of solar modules, enabling module manufacturers to provide a 25-year warranty on their AC modules. The company is headquartered in Austin, Texas, with offices in Dong Guan, China, and Melbourne, Australia. For more information, visit www.solarbridgetech.com.

SolarBridge Media Contact:
Nancy Edwards, SolarBridge Technologies
Email: n.edwards@solarbridgetech.com
Tel. Direct: (512) 583-5315

Australia PR Representative:
Nigel Morris, Solar Business Services
Email: nm@solarbusiness.com.au
Tel. Direct: +61 410 479 286