COMPANY I OVERVIEW
several residential solar installers were polled. The overall initial reaction was very positive, with some common questions about grounding details, running homerun wires for large arrays, and (micro)inverter compatibility.
Figure 6 – Traditional PV connectors for high-integrity module-to- module connections
construct rooftop modules from 105 to nearly 500 Watts, Giga Solar modules have the potential to dramatically change how rooftop solar projects look and how they are designed.
In addition to a limited variety of sizes, the current residential PV module manufacturers offer a limited number of solutions for complex roofs. Small and non-rectangular modules could provide increased roof coverage resulting in higher system performance and better appearance.
This design variation is difficult for standard module manufacturers due to the fact that module glass is cut to a specific size and then tempered, which does not allow for off-size or custom shapes. Giga Solar’s non-glass construction and large module sizes could satisfy multiple needs for complex roofs. To validate the concept of Giga Solar’s lightweight modules,
The most common comment was related to the lightweight design of the Giga Solar modules. Diego Creus, owner of Argent Solar in Arizona said, “I’d love to be loading 15 pound modules on a roof. I am too old for the 40 to 45 pound modules.” Creus was also impressed with the ability to select modules larger than 72-cells. In Arizona, there are many planned communities that have tract homes with large open roof space. Creus mentioned that if he could use a single large lightweight module to cover an entire roof surface with a lower $/Watt cost, “he’d switch to Giga Solar modules in a heartbeat.”
Shahin Haynes of Peak Power Solutions in California thinks that the concept of the lightweight module is good, but sees several potential setbacks related to permitting. Haynes’ main concern is related to the corrugated racking material, he said, “I see issues with the wind getting up underneath that material and acting like a sail and I know cities would be asking tons of questions as well. In order to fully validate the strength of the corrugated support structure, Giga Solar must have the modules tested, evaluated, and certified by proper listing agencies before they are available for market use.”
Market entry
The next steps of development include electrical hardware certification, power management compatibility and testing, fire- rating testing, accelerated lifetime testing, and formal listing by California Solar Initiative (CSI). The modules must be certified by UL or ETL to validate their electrical components and ensure that they meet all requirements set forth by the National Electric Code (NEC). Giga Solar’s modules and mounting structures are available today, but come without full IEC/UL certification. The certification of the Giga Solar modules will have to include evaluation of the integrated support structure. This certification will include wind and snow load calculations to confirm that the support structure is able to meet the expected stresses in extreme weather conditions.
Conclusion
The solar PV industry is growing fast and is expected to have an exciting future. The rate of growth will depend heavily on how quickly new products can reduce the cost of the PV system. There is great potential for solutions like Giga Solar’s lightweight, integrated module and support structure to change the way that residential solar systems are installed. Once tested and certified, Giga Solar modules will provide lightweight, racking-integrated, size-scalable modules with flexible design options.
Combined with power management technology such as microinverters and DC-DC optimizers, PV technology of the future can provide homeowners high-performance and low-cost renewable energy solutions that are easy and fast to install.
Figure 7 – Attachment of the module/support structure to the roof 64
www.solar-international.net I Issue IV 2014
©2014 Permission required. Angel Business Communications Ltd.
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