From new products to partnerships, here’s a look at what Eaton is doing in solar to start off 2014.
New Molded Case Circuit Breakers And Switches
Eaton is expanding its line of PVGard circuit protection solutions. The manufactuer says the new PVGard molded case circuit breaker and switch are the first in the industry rated to 600V DC per pole for photovoltaic system applications. The solutions with new integrated arc chute technology are designed to enhance safety and can reduce installation costs and space requirements up to 66%.
Customers can tap the new circuit breakers and switches to combine disconnect capability and overcurrent protection in a single, resettable device. In addition, unlike traditional solutions, the circuit breakers and switches do not require jumpers to connect poles in a series, enabling additional cost and space savings.
Available with a wide range of accessories, Eaton PVGard products can provide additional functionalities, including status monitoring, individual lock-out/tag-out capability, and remote turn on and off operation. With a shunt trip, the device can also comply with National Electric Code requirements to isolate the circuit in the event of an arc and ground fault.
All PVGard 600V DC per pole and 1000V DC poles-in-series lineups are rated to to the Underwriters Laboratories 489B standard for use in photovoltaic applications, and provide cost savings by reducing the size of breaker ampacity, breaker frame, conductor, and enclosure.
Eaton’s Power Xpert Solar Inverter Achieves ETL Listing Per UL 1741 Standard
Eaton’s Power Xpert solar 1670-kW inverter has achieved listing per UL 1741-2010 by Intertek. The certification, which covers inverters, converters, charge controllers, and interconnection system equipment, is required by utilities and local authorities for inverter connection to the electrical grid.
The Power Xpert solar 1670 inverter enables a skid-less inverter station that reduces equipment requirements and installation costs. The inverter and transformer are connected through a direct-coupled throat connection to boost system electrical efficiency and reduce cable requirements, pad size and commissioning time.
Additionally, developers and designers can eliminate or reduce the amount of equipment required to provide power factor and reactive power (VAR) support with the Eaton inverter technology. The Power Xpert Solar inverter provides ±0.91 power factor range without power de-rating.
Collaboration With SolareAmerica
Malvern, PA-based SolareAmerica, one of Solar Power World’s Top 250 Solar Contractors decided to give Eaton a test run in a 429-kW rooftop array for a bakery in Landover, MD. The system used 2 Eaton S-Max 250 kW inverters and 10 switched combiner boxes. The partnership was so successful that SolareAmerica and project lead partner Keares Electric have submitted a required utility interconnect agreement with Philadelphia Electric Company, listing Eaton as the specified inverter supplier for a second project. The 9.1-MW installation will generate solar power that would provide renewable energy to a local school and VA hospital in the town of Coatesville, PA.
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