Solar Power World

Display Controllers 101

A controller is an electronic device that keeps a circulating pump for a solar hot water system collecting as much heat possible from the solar panels. It also keeps the system from overheating. The controller turns the circulating pump on when there is heat available in the panels, moving the working fluid through the panels to the heat exchanger at the thermal store. The controller... Read More

Transformers 101

Transformers are critical components in solar-energy production and distribution. Historically, transformers have “stepped-up” or “stepped-down” energy from non-renewable sources. There are different types of solar transformers including distribution, station, sub-station, pad mounted and grounding. All transformers have specialized needs that impact costs. Mike Dickinson... Read More

Battery mini power cube in zero energy building at DC’s Naval Yard

Developer of leadcarbon PbC batteries and energy storage systems Axion Power International, Inc.was awarded a purchase order from SilTek Inc. confirming their participation in a Zero Energy Building in the Washington DC Naval Yard. Axion will be providing an array of its PbC batteries, system electronics and battery management system that together will serve as an example of Axion’s... Read More

Where monitoring meets Facebook

SunReports' Apollo solar system monitor is available for residential and commercial applications. While at Solar Power International in Dallas last month I was able to stop by and chat with SunReports. The manufacturer of monitoring systems for solar discussed a pretty interesting concept. Their Apollo Monitoring system links with Facebook. The company explained that the system... Read More

Power optimizers enhance your solar project

While at Solar Power International in Dallas last month I was able to drop by and see what Azuray, manufacturer of solar power electronics had to share. Here’s some of what the Oregon company has to offer: AP 250 DC to DC power optimizer: The AP 250 can install with new or existing PV systems. It has efficient MPPT algorithms that the company says increases the energy output... Read More

Hubbell Power Systems Announces New Catalogue

This recently released 57 page Anderson/Fargo (by Hubbell Power Systems) catalog gives a complete overview and ordering information for the many deadends and ties offered. Order Catalog FW-1 at Hpsliterature@hubbell.com. Hubbell Power Systems www.hubbellpowersystems.com  Read More

Enclosures protect utility PV electrical components

Optimum protection Of utility power PV electrical components through proper specification of enclosures  The High Cost Of Specifying The Wrong Enclosure Based On Application Needs • NACE, the International Corrosion Society, estimates the annual cost of corrosion in the United States to be $267 billion • Corrosion in marine environments alone is estimated today at 4 % of the... Read More

Putting out the fire in PV systems

The threat of PV systems starting fires is an unfortunate reality. Since the Bakersfield, CA fire in early 2009, the solar industry has been searching for solutions that not only detect potential fire threats but more importantly stop the problem before it starts. Local jurisdictions have been calling for solutions to these problems and the new 2011 National Electric Code (NEC)... Read More

Grid-tied PV inverter with galvanic isolation

The higher an inverter’s efficiency, the more energy is generated per year, which means a better return on investment for a solar farm. With 97.5% CEC efficiency and 225 to 500-kilowatt options, Solectria Renewables’ SMARTGRID series of inverters (SGI) are ideal for utility-scale solar farms. Currently, there are concerns about having transformerless electrical systems feed... Read More

A more efficient microinverter

The more efficient the microinverter the better, right? One of the most efficient on the market incorporates innovations in power electronics and custom microchips to achieve a 96% weighted CEC efficiency. The M215 from Enphase Energy also includes a 25-year warranty, which is great news for high-performance installations such as commercial solar systems. One of the biggest issues... Read More

CANopen, Profibus, Modbus enabled solar tracker motors

Manufacturer of motion-control products Dunkermotor offers a line of brushless dc solar tracker motors (STM). The company says the motors have fieldbus-enabled motion controllers optimized to reduce development time, lower installation costs, and provide lowest total cost of ownership. Electric energy production can be increased by 30-35% more with solar tracking compared to fixed... Read More

Single-pole distribution blocks for solar

Ohio-based manufacturer ERICO offers two new series of single-pole distribution blocks that the company says are suitable for use in a wide range of solar applications. Available with one input or two, the distribution blocks are UL Recognized for 1000V AC/DC and IEC certified for 1000V AC and 1500V DC. Features include: Halogen free, IP 20 UL finger safe 95% fill ratio Gangable;... Read More

Cone Drive, BrightSource Energy Join Forces

Cone Drive Gearing Solutions, part of the David Brown group, announced that it has signed an agreement with BrightSource Energy, to supply solar tracking drives for its 392megawatt Ivanpah Solar Electric Generating System in California’s Mojave Desert. BrightSource’s Ivanpah Solar Electric Generating System is the world’s largest concentrated solar power complex under construction... Read More

Inverters that double the life of PV systems without adding cost

Enecsys will display their micro inverter products and solar PV monitoring systems at booth B7.C28 at EU PVSEC, September 5-8, in Hamburg, Germany. Enecsys is also demonstrating its new iPhone application for remote monitoring of solar PV module and system performance at EU PVSEC. One manufacturer of solar micro inverters offers a new model that it says will double the life of a... Read More

Flexible automation control

A manufacturer of automation and control products offers a  high-density, highly configurable modular RTU and programmable logic controller (PLC) system. Schweitzer Engineering Laboratories, Inc. (SEL) says their SEL-2240 Axion extends their automation and control product family. The system has flexible architecture and integrated security to meet monitoring and control application... Read More