COVERSTORY
The Solyndra approach is designed to make installation simple and convert as much sunlight to electricity as possible. Unlike most traditional solar panels they continue to function even if there is shade on a part of the module. There are approximately 23 steps to build and protect the 195 thin-film solar cells created in the manufacture of each module. Inside the tube is a liquid optical coupling agent (OCA) which serves as a concentrator and increases the active solar cell surface of the internal tube.
Each module is designed to produce electricity for more than 25 years in a variety of harsh environments to be found on the rooftop. The hermetic seal on the glass tubes ensure the CIGS material inside remains protected from contamination. Solyndra had produced well over 100MW in their fully automated Fab.
The latest offering Jargon is presenting is the new 200 series which according to Jargon are the fastest and easiest-to-install flat rooftop solar system available, and is a lightweight solution (less than 2.8 lbs. per square foot distributed load) ideal for buildings not designed to carry a heavy roof load and seen as a perfect vehicle for new regions.
Placement options
The cylindrical design allows panels to be placed in virtually any orientation with minimal impact on energy generation. This allows Solyndra panels to follow building contours and high system density on the rooftop. The system is lightweight and modules are spaced offering air flow properties. This eliminates the need for mounting hardware and ballast. The low roof weight is ideal for older buildings and “value-engineered buildings” not designed to carry a heavy rooftop load.
Jargon is very animated as he describes the company’s offerings and loves to point out the special features of the module. With the new 200 series the rooftop system can now be installed on flat top roofs with absolutely no tools required for installation. A simple connection system allows the panel mounts to snap together which reduces the balance-of-system costs.
Jargon relates the potential difference a system can make to an existing building contemplating
solar power. In the example Jargon gave a major supermarket was considering solar. To retrofit the building using traditional means would have taken a number of months and required intrusions and disruptions to the functioning of the store. Solyndra’s approach with ready to use modules meant the same job took weeks instead of months with no disruption to service. At present Solyndra has driven down costs through volume capacity.
The wind blows through Solyndra’s panels allowing the panels to be mounted horizontally. There is no concern that the panels will transfer wind load to the roof or be blown off the roof. Simple, non-penetrating mounting hardware is used in the system. No roof penetrations, attachments or ballast are needed. Panels and mounts are quickly attached together. With this type of installation there is also less chance of leaks through weight bearing attachments.
Even in areas with high winds, there is no need for roof-penetrating mounts or ballast to hold Solyndra panels in place. The panels have been tested and are certified for use in winds of up to 208km/h (130mph). Further, having a distributed rooftop load of 16kg/m2 (3.3lbs/ft2), Solyndra’s self- ballasting systems can be used on buildings that would otherwise require structural reinforcement to harvest solar power.
Using all resources
Conventional flat PV panels must be tilted and spaced apart to achieve energy generation. The sunlight striking the spaces between the panels is not collected and is wasted. Solyndra’s panels achieve energy generation when mounted horizontally and spaced closely together, enabling greater rooftop coverage and enhancing energy production over the system’s lifetime. A partially shaded panel still generates electricity.
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www.solar-pv-management.com Issue III 2011
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