SOLARAWARDS2011 SHORTLISTED
maximum flexibility, and is the first choice for demanding PV array designs
High yields Maximum efficiency of 97 % Multi-string technology* Transformerless, with H5 topology Shade management with OptiTrac Global Peak
Reliable Integrated ESS DC switch-disconnector
Informative Simple country configuration Bluetooth technology as standard Graphic display Multi-function relay included
Simple Easily accessible connection area Cable connection without tools SUNCLIX DC plug-in system
products to meet the needs of the growing solar industry. Key parts of Zep Solars offering, aside from the Zep Groove frame, include the interlocks to string together and automatically ground the panels, wire clips for anchoring the cable wires, and an array skirt that gives the front and public-facing part of the system a more polished look.
Challenge
Accounting for one-third or more of the cost of a residential or commercial rooftop system, reducing the costs associated with the installation process is critical to bringing solar costs down and stimulating demand. Currently, there are far too many materials, such as heavy aluminium rails used to mount a system, and considerable labour, time and logistics dedicated to those materials. While mounting equipment and other system components have traditionally taken the backseat to cell design or efficiency concerns, manufacturers and installers are increasingly looking to streamline and standardize the installation process to bring down total system cost.
Zep Solar Zep Groove
Zep Solar is accelerating the adoption of solar energy by trimming bulk and cost from the equation making it easier to design, ship, warehouse and install PV systems. At the heart of its product suite is its innovative framing design, called the Zep Groove. This T-shaped groove is manufactured directly into the modules frame and enables Zep Solars interlocking line of PV installation hardware to quickly mate with the module of a roof or a ground-mounted system. This module-integrated mounting solution eliminates the need for conventional mounting rails and separate grounding hardware, streamlining the installation process and bringing down the total system cost. Aiming to establish the Zep Groove as a ubiquitous industry standard, Zep Solar currently licenses its framing design to leading PV module manufacturers worldwide, including Canadian Solar, Centrosolar, Eco-Kinetics, ET Solar, Trina Solar and Upsolar. The company has three products on the market targeting tiled, sloped and flat roof applications and is developing additional
Problem Solved
Each solar module has a frame that resembles the traditional aluminium railing used to mount them. Utilizing the frames intrinsic strength and structure, Zep Solar created a module-integrated innovation that dramatically streamlines the installation process to lower the cost of solar. Collaborating with module manufacturers, Zep Solar is redesigning frames so they contain a Zep Groove, eliminating the necessity of a rail. While very simple in its implementation, this T- shaped groove has specialized properties that enable rapid coupling with Zep Solars hardware reducing many of the tools and parts required to mount a system while accomplishing structural and grounding connections.
Noteworthy Currently, there are no standards for racking systems and components leading to regionalized racking solutions that are ill equipped to be adopted at the global scale. In order to bring down the overall cost of solar systems, it is imperative that the industry adopts standards for PV installations. Licensing their novel Zep Groove frame design to major module manufacturers, Zep Solar is
creating a cross-vendor standard approach that resembles the breakthrough of the USB port for electronics a standard interface that is shared and agreed upon by all competitors that lays the foundation for further technology advances. As such, Zep Solar is establishing the first technology standard for PV installations lowering costs and enhancing the value and flexibility of installations.
Innovation
Zep Solars fundamental innovation is to identity that solar modules already contain a element that resembles an aluminum rail the frame demonstrating considerable stiffness, strength and structure that are sought in todays mounting structures. Zep Solar is the first company to re-architect the modules frame, introducing a design overhaul that addresses both materials and labour costs. Rather than replacing bolts with clip-together hardware, Zep Solar has held onto bolts and eliminated the rest of the big pieces a move that seems to mock industry heavyweights. By building the mounting system into the modules frames, they fulfill the structural demands that would otherwise call for a heavy aluminium rail. Zep Solar has created a simple, yet fundamental, platform change for solar modules frame design, allowing it to easily mate with hardware.
Customer Benefits For PV module manufacturers, carrying the Zep Groove banner offers very distinctive and differentiated brand while adding value to the module. Being Zep Compatible enables manufactures to pass down cost savings and logistics improvements to installers, developers and distributors and increase loyalty.
Against the backdrop of increased competition between integrators, Zep Solars product suite offers installers a cost-effective point of differentiation that encourages business growth. By offering a module-integrated solution, featuring less heavy parts and tools, Zep Solars solution enables both streamlined installations and streamlined internal processes reducing inventory headaches and costs.
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www.solar-pv-management.com Issue VII 2011
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