Panasonic strengthens its commitment to the philosophy Eco Ideas - brand's commitment to sustainability, environmental protection and reduction of environmental impacts - and supports, in Brazil, the Container Project House. Designed by architect Daniel Corbas to be their home, the house uses only sustainable products that reduce the harm to the environment, including the refrigerator Invert D512 brand.
The project is to use as house structure, shipping containers and products considered green. The space is open for public visitation until June 29 in Fazendinha, residential condominium in the Granja Viana in Cotia, São Paulo. With 196m2 of built area, the container house is distributed over two floors.
Container's kitchen with fridge-D512 Panasonic To equip the kitchen Container House, the architect chose the refrigerator D512 multi-port that uses inverter technology developed by Panasonic to contribute to energy savings. During the night, the power consumption of coolant is reduced by 20%, being the period of low utilization. The multi-port is also a difference by providing better utilization of space and lower cooling loss prioritizing practicality of use in order of use of its ports.
2011年6月29日星期三
SPARQ Systems Closes Financing
SPARQ Systems Inc., a developer of smart microinverters for photovoltaic (PV) power systems, has closed a new round of financing, raising $Subscriber content.
Kingston, Ontario based SPARQ Systems, a spin-off company of Queen’s University through PARTEQ Innovations, has developed an efficient and low-cost microinverter solution that produces more AC power from PV panels for longer periods under lower light and partial shadowing conditions.
SPARQ recently entered into a partnership agreement with Sanmina-SCI Corporation (NASDAQ: SANM) to manufacture new microinverters and communications hubs for solar photovoltaic (PV) systems for the consumer market. The solar inverters will be produced for the Canadian market at Sanmina-SCI’s Ottawa facility, which is certified for Ontario’s Feed-in Tariff (FIT) program, and at Sanmina-SCI’s worldwide regional facilities for global demand.
Kingston, Ontario based SPARQ Systems, a spin-off company of Queen’s University through PARTEQ Innovations, has developed an efficient and low-cost microinverter solution that produces more AC power from PV panels for longer periods under lower light and partial shadowing conditions.
SPARQ recently entered into a partnership agreement with Sanmina-SCI Corporation (NASDAQ: SANM) to manufacture new microinverters and communications hubs for solar photovoltaic (PV) systems for the consumer market. The solar inverters will be produced for the Canadian market at Sanmina-SCI’s Ottawa facility, which is certified for Ontario’s Feed-in Tariff (FIT) program, and at Sanmina-SCI’s worldwide regional facilities for global demand.
2011年6月26日星期日
Volume manufacturing of its devices by Celestica
In addition to expanding its manufacturing, the company plans to add to its sales support operations and to build its research and development teams for future products.
The company has posted openings for product managers and an information technology manager and engineers.
SolarBridge, which has raised $46 million to date, is a leading maker of advanced and efficient microinverters that improve the reliability of rooftop solar power systems, increase energy production and save costs by simplifying installation.
The company, which is expanding rapidly in Austin, expects to employ 75 people worldwide by the end of this year. It has announced partnerships with two major makers of solar panels, Kyocera Solar Inc. and SunPower Corp., and it expects to announce more partners soon. The first panels with its inverters installed should be available for sale this summer.
Volume manufacturing of its devices by Celestica, an international contract manufacturer, started in April at its factory in Dongguan, China.
CEO Ron Van Dell said SolarBridge operates in a segment of the solar power market that accounts for about $3 billion a year in global sales. Much of the industry's focus so far has been on how to make solar panels more cheaply and efficiently. But now, Van Dell said, industry attention is shifting to power inverters, which can be another area for improving savings and reliability.
The company, which licenses technical discoveries made at the University of Illinois, uses advanced power electronics to create an inverter that it says will work for 25 years or longer and "harvest" more than 95 percent of the energy produced by solar panels.
The company has posted openings for product managers and an information technology manager and engineers.
SolarBridge, which has raised $46 million to date, is a leading maker of advanced and efficient microinverters that improve the reliability of rooftop solar power systems, increase energy production and save costs by simplifying installation.
The company, which is expanding rapidly in Austin, expects to employ 75 people worldwide by the end of this year. It has announced partnerships with two major makers of solar panels, Kyocera Solar Inc. and SunPower Corp., and it expects to announce more partners soon. The first panels with its inverters installed should be available for sale this summer.
Volume manufacturing of its devices by Celestica, an international contract manufacturer, started in April at its factory in Dongguan, China.
CEO Ron Van Dell said SolarBridge operates in a segment of the solar power market that accounts for about $3 billion a year in global sales. Much of the industry's focus so far has been on how to make solar panels more cheaply and efficiently. But now, Van Dell said, industry attention is shifting to power inverters, which can be another area for improving savings and reliability.
The company, which licenses technical discoveries made at the University of Illinois, uses advanced power electronics to create an inverter that it says will work for 25 years or longer and "harvest" more than 95 percent of the energy produced by solar panels.
Enphase Energy filed to go public
Solar panel micro-inverters transform a direct current generated by the photovoltaic cell on the panel into an alternating current. The alternating current is fed into a power grid, which can’t accept a direct current. Micro-inverters are built into a single solar panel rather than an array of solar panels. As a result, the total electrical output of a solar array does not suffer when a single solar panel is damaged or in the shade.
Enphase Energy’s micro-inverters are compatible with about 80 percent of solar modules currently on the market.
Enphase Energy filed to go public and raise up to $100 million earlier this month. Like a number of other companies filing to go public this year, Enphase has not been profitable for several years. The company lost $21.8 million in 2010 and $16.7 million in 2009. It also lost $9.3 million in the first quarter this year, up from a loss of $3.7 million in the first quarter of 2010.
The company brought in $18.1 million in revenue in the first quarter this year, up 56 percent from $11.6 million in the first quarter of 2010. It brought in $61.7 million in revenue in 2010, up 205 percent from $20.2 million in revenue in 2009.
Enphase raised $63 million in its last funding round in July last year led by Kleiner Perkins Caufield & Byers. The company raised $22.6 million in a funding round in May 2009 and $6.5 million in January 2008. The company has raised a total of around $113 million to date.
Competitor SolarBridge also recently closed a $19 million funding round led by Rho Ventures and Battery Ventures. SolarBridge’s micro-inverters last around 25 years, compared to typical centralized power inverters that usually last around a decade. SolarBridge also includes a 25-year warranty on its micro-inverters. SolarBridge has raised round $46 million total after launching in 2004.
Enphase Energy’s micro-inverters are compatible with about 80 percent of solar modules currently on the market.
Enphase Energy filed to go public and raise up to $100 million earlier this month. Like a number of other companies filing to go public this year, Enphase has not been profitable for several years. The company lost $21.8 million in 2010 and $16.7 million in 2009. It also lost $9.3 million in the first quarter this year, up from a loss of $3.7 million in the first quarter of 2010.
The company brought in $18.1 million in revenue in the first quarter this year, up 56 percent from $11.6 million in the first quarter of 2010. It brought in $61.7 million in revenue in 2010, up 205 percent from $20.2 million in revenue in 2009.
Enphase raised $63 million in its last funding round in July last year led by Kleiner Perkins Caufield & Byers. The company raised $22.6 million in a funding round in May 2009 and $6.5 million in January 2008. The company has raised a total of around $113 million to date.
Competitor SolarBridge also recently closed a $19 million funding round led by Rho Ventures and Battery Ventures. SolarBridge’s micro-inverters last around 25 years, compared to typical centralized power inverters that usually last around a decade. SolarBridge also includes a 25-year warranty on its micro-inverters. SolarBridge has raised round $46 million total after launching in 2004.
2011年6月22日星期三
Microinverters and Maximum Power Point Trackers
Inverters are the gateway to the grid – turning Direct Current electricity from solar PV systems to grid-friendly Alternating Current. Over the past several years, there’s been a revolution in inverter technologies that allow project owners to more effectively regulate system performance. One technology, the microinverter, is installed on the back of individual panels, turning each module into its own unit and providing real-time data on how each is operating. Therefore, if clouds roll over a PV system, the “Christmas tree light effect” is avoided, and each panel still functions normally, maximizing the output of a system – sometimes by 20% or more.
Speaking of maximizing output, that’s where Maximum Power Point Trackers (MPPT) come in. These pieces of power electronics are also installed on the back of individual panels. But they’re not microinverters; instead, they boost voltage to an optimal range for a central inverter, thus allowing the device to run more efficiently. By allowing a system owner to control a PV plant at the module level, you can boost performance on the module level and regulate voltage even as weather patterns change.
Wind Energy Management Tools
SCADA systems that remotely monitor wind farm performance have been around for years – but there are a host of new applications being developed that allow grid operators and utilities monitor system-wide performance in an easier, more compelling way.
The Wind Energy Management System from the Portuguese company Logica is a great example. The company manages over 3 gigawatts of wind farms in the U.S. and Europe using its WEMS, which allows for real-time monitoring of a set of geographically dispersed wind plants – providing the tools to balance voltage, ramp wind farms up and down quickly, and plan for maintenance.
A company like EnerNOC provides the tools for better management on the demand side; a company like Logica provides the tools for better integration on the supply side.
Virtual power plants combine intelligent demand response with supply-side management software, bringing distributed renewable energy plants together to form a “virtual” centralized resource.
We previously wrote about Germany’s Regenerative Combined Power Plant, a project that proved existing renewable energy technologies could provide 100% of the country’s electricity. The project blended three wind farms worth 12.6 MW, 20 solar PV plants totaling 5.5 MW, four biogas systems equaling 4 MW and a pumped storage system with 8.4 GWh of storage. By using geographically dispersed renewable resources that compliment one another, the plant operators were able to meet needs on the grid as supply and demand shifted. The project shows that with better information technologies and a balanced set of resources, the intermittency issue can be dealt with.
Speaking of maximizing output, that’s where Maximum Power Point Trackers (MPPT) come in. These pieces of power electronics are also installed on the back of individual panels. But they’re not microinverters; instead, they boost voltage to an optimal range for a central inverter, thus allowing the device to run more efficiently. By allowing a system owner to control a PV plant at the module level, you can boost performance on the module level and regulate voltage even as weather patterns change.
Wind Energy Management Tools
SCADA systems that remotely monitor wind farm performance have been around for years – but there are a host of new applications being developed that allow grid operators and utilities monitor system-wide performance in an easier, more compelling way.
The Wind Energy Management System from the Portuguese company Logica is a great example. The company manages over 3 gigawatts of wind farms in the U.S. and Europe using its WEMS, which allows for real-time monitoring of a set of geographically dispersed wind plants – providing the tools to balance voltage, ramp wind farms up and down quickly, and plan for maintenance.
A company like EnerNOC provides the tools for better management on the demand side; a company like Logica provides the tools for better integration on the supply side.
Virtual power plants combine intelligent demand response with supply-side management software, bringing distributed renewable energy plants together to form a “virtual” centralized resource.
We previously wrote about Germany’s Regenerative Combined Power Plant, a project that proved existing renewable energy technologies could provide 100% of the country’s electricity. The project blended three wind farms worth 12.6 MW, 20 solar PV plants totaling 5.5 MW, four biogas systems equaling 4 MW and a pumped storage system with 8.4 GWh of storage. By using geographically dispersed renewable resources that compliment one another, the plant operators were able to meet needs on the grid as supply and demand shifted. The project shows that with better information technologies and a balanced set of resources, the intermittency issue can be dealt with.
Top 5 Coolest Ways Companies are Integrating Renewable Energy into the Grid
Intermittent renewables at high penetrations will bring new challenges for the grid. But how big will they be? And is it true that wind and solar will necessarily need storage or natural gas back-up at high levels?
The International Energy Agency wanted to know, so it modeled a variety of high-penetration scenarios in eight geographic regions around the world. Hugo Chandler, a senior policy analyst with the IEA explains the organization’s findings to Climate Progress:
Variability is not just some new phenomenon in grid management. What we found is that renewable energy is not fundamentally different. The criticisms of renewables often neglect the complementarities between different technologies and the way they can balance each other out if spread over certain regions and energy types.
Grid operators are constantly working to balance available supply with demand – it’s what they do. There are always natural variations that cause spikes in demand, reductions in supply or create disturbances in frequency and voltage.Once you see there are a variety of ways to properly manage that variability, you start whittling away at the argument that you always need storage or a megawatt of natural gas backup for every megawatt of renewable energy.
Theoretical modeling is important. But what companies are doing in reality?
Here’s five of the top methods for integrating renewable energy into the grid – proving that intermittency isn’t the show-stopper that critics make it out to be.
Intelligent Demand Response
Intelligent demand response is often called the “killer app” of the smart grid. Demand response is not a new concept – but the “intelligent” part is still somewhat new.
The demand-response leader, EnerNOC, is now applying this concept to renewable energy. The company announced earlier this year that it would work with a Northwestern transmission operator to help manage demand to meet the fluctuating output of wind electricity in the system. EnerNOC president David Brewster calls it “the perfect dancing partner for wind.” By ramping up demand at facilities during time of peak supply and lowering demand when supply drops off, the grid can respond to changing conditions in real time without the need for storage.
The International Energy Agency wanted to know, so it modeled a variety of high-penetration scenarios in eight geographic regions around the world. Hugo Chandler, a senior policy analyst with the IEA explains the organization’s findings to Climate Progress:
Variability is not just some new phenomenon in grid management. What we found is that renewable energy is not fundamentally different. The criticisms of renewables often neglect the complementarities between different technologies and the way they can balance each other out if spread over certain regions and energy types.
Grid operators are constantly working to balance available supply with demand – it’s what they do. There are always natural variations that cause spikes in demand, reductions in supply or create disturbances in frequency and voltage.Once you see there are a variety of ways to properly manage that variability, you start whittling away at the argument that you always need storage or a megawatt of natural gas backup for every megawatt of renewable energy.
Theoretical modeling is important. But what companies are doing in reality?
Here’s five of the top methods for integrating renewable energy into the grid – proving that intermittency isn’t the show-stopper that critics make it out to be.
Intelligent Demand Response
Intelligent demand response is often called the “killer app” of the smart grid. Demand response is not a new concept – but the “intelligent” part is still somewhat new.
The demand-response leader, EnerNOC, is now applying this concept to renewable energy. The company announced earlier this year that it would work with a Northwestern transmission operator to help manage demand to meet the fluctuating output of wind electricity in the system. EnerNOC president David Brewster calls it “the perfect dancing partner for wind.” By ramping up demand at facilities during time of peak supply and lowering demand when supply drops off, the grid can respond to changing conditions in real time without the need for storage.
2011年6月19日星期日
The top five coolest ways to integrate renewable energy into the grid
Intermittent renewables at high penetrations will bring new challenges for the grid. But how big will they be? And is it true that wind and solar will necessarily need storage or natural gas back-up at high levels?
The International Energy Agency (IEA) wanted to know, so it modeled a variety of high-penetration scenarios in eight geographic regions around the world. Hugo Chandler, a senior policy analyst with the IEA, explains the organization's findings to Climate Progress:
Variability is not just some new phenomenon in grid management. What we found is that renewable energy is not fundamentally different. The criticisms of renewables often neglect the complementarities between different technologies and the way they can balance each other out if spread over certain regions and energy types.
Grid operators are constantly working to balance available supply with demand -- it's what they do. There are always natural variations that cause spikes in demand, reductions in supply, or create disturbances in frequency and voltage. Once you see there are a variety of ways to properly manage that variability, you start whittling away at the argument that you always need storage or a megawatt of natural gas backup for every megawatt of renewable energy.
Theoretical modeling is important. But what companies are doing in reality?
Here's five of the top methods for integrating renewable energy into the grid -- proving that intermittency isn't the showstopper that critics make it out to be. Explanations of each of these with videos are below.
Intelligent demand response is often called the "killer app" of the smart grid. Demand response is not a new concept -- but the "intelligent" part is still somewhat new.
The demand-response leader, EnerNOC, is now applying this concept to renewable energy. The company announced earlier this year that it would work with a Northwestern transmission operator to help manage demand to meet the fluctuating output of wind electricity in the system. EnerNOC President David Brewster calls it "the perfect dancing partner for wind." By ramping up demand at facilities during times of peak supply and lowering demand when supply drops off, the grid can respond to changing conditions in real time without the need for storage.
Microinverters and maximum power point trackers
Inverters are the gateway to the grid -- turning direct current electricity from solar photovoltaic (PV) systems to grid-friendly alternating current. Over the past several years, there has been a revolution in inverter technologies that allows project owners to more effectively regulate system performance. One technology, the microinverter, is installed on the back of individual panels, turning each module into its own unit and providing real-time data on how each is operating. Therefore, if clouds roll over a PV system, the "Christmas tree light effect" is avoided, and each panel still functions normally, maximizing the output of a system -- sometimes by 20 percent or more.
Speaking of maximizing output, that's where maximum power point trackers come in. These pieces of power electronics are also installed on the back of individual panels. But they're not microinverters; instead, they boost voltage to an optimal range for a central inverter, thus allowing the device to run more efficiently. By allowing a system owner to control a PV plant at the module level, you can boost performance on the module level and regulate voltage even as weather patterns change.
The International Energy Agency (IEA) wanted to know, so it modeled a variety of high-penetration scenarios in eight geographic regions around the world. Hugo Chandler, a senior policy analyst with the IEA, explains the organization's findings to Climate Progress:
Variability is not just some new phenomenon in grid management. What we found is that renewable energy is not fundamentally different. The criticisms of renewables often neglect the complementarities between different technologies and the way they can balance each other out if spread over certain regions and energy types.
Grid operators are constantly working to balance available supply with demand -- it's what they do. There are always natural variations that cause spikes in demand, reductions in supply, or create disturbances in frequency and voltage. Once you see there are a variety of ways to properly manage that variability, you start whittling away at the argument that you always need storage or a megawatt of natural gas backup for every megawatt of renewable energy.
Theoretical modeling is important. But what companies are doing in reality?
Here's five of the top methods for integrating renewable energy into the grid -- proving that intermittency isn't the showstopper that critics make it out to be. Explanations of each of these with videos are below.
Intelligent demand response is often called the "killer app" of the smart grid. Demand response is not a new concept -- but the "intelligent" part is still somewhat new.
The demand-response leader, EnerNOC, is now applying this concept to renewable energy. The company announced earlier this year that it would work with a Northwestern transmission operator to help manage demand to meet the fluctuating output of wind electricity in the system. EnerNOC President David Brewster calls it "the perfect dancing partner for wind." By ramping up demand at facilities during times of peak supply and lowering demand when supply drops off, the grid can respond to changing conditions in real time without the need for storage.
Microinverters and maximum power point trackers
Inverters are the gateway to the grid -- turning direct current electricity from solar photovoltaic (PV) systems to grid-friendly alternating current. Over the past several years, there has been a revolution in inverter technologies that allows project owners to more effectively regulate system performance. One technology, the microinverter, is installed on the back of individual panels, turning each module into its own unit and providing real-time data on how each is operating. Therefore, if clouds roll over a PV system, the "Christmas tree light effect" is avoided, and each panel still functions normally, maximizing the output of a system -- sometimes by 20 percent or more.
Speaking of maximizing output, that's where maximum power point trackers come in. These pieces of power electronics are also installed on the back of individual panels. But they're not microinverters; instead, they boost voltage to an optimal range for a central inverter, thus allowing the device to run more efficiently. By allowing a system owner to control a PV plant at the module level, you can boost performance on the module level and regulate voltage even as weather patterns change.
City receiving $600,000 from EPA for midtown cleanup
The city is receiving a total of $600,000 to clean up contamination at three properties it bought for redevelopment in midtown.
The money from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency will go to clean up the former Gro Mor property, 307 S. Evers St.; Hydraulic Hose/JWH-Telco property, 617 and 619 S. Evers St.; and Stock Lumber property, 415 and 508-511 S. Collins St. The grant will pay for $200,000 worth of clean-up at each site.
The city bought the property as part of its effort to spur redevelopment in midtown, an 85-acre mostly commercial area south of downtown. The city is seeking a developer to transform the area with quaint shops, homes and more.
EPA announced June 6 that it was awarding a total of $7 million in 10 Florida communities including Plant City, for so called brownfield areas, where contamination is detected or suspected.
City Manager Greg Horwedel told city commissioners at a June 13 meeting that he was "absolutely thrilled" that the city's Redevelopment Agency would be receiving the money from the federal agency.
Horwedel credited the "fine work our Community Service Director Jim McDaniel," in obtaining the EPA grants and other money for the midtown clean-up.
The three sites contain hazardous substances and petroleum-based contaminants, Horwedel said.
The money from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency will go to clean up the former Gro Mor property, 307 S. Evers St.; Hydraulic Hose/JWH-Telco property, 617 and 619 S. Evers St.; and Stock Lumber property, 415 and 508-511 S. Collins St. The grant will pay for $200,000 worth of clean-up at each site.
The city bought the property as part of its effort to spur redevelopment in midtown, an 85-acre mostly commercial area south of downtown. The city is seeking a developer to transform the area with quaint shops, homes and more.
EPA announced June 6 that it was awarding a total of $7 million in 10 Florida communities including Plant City, for so called brownfield areas, where contamination is detected or suspected.
City Manager Greg Horwedel told city commissioners at a June 13 meeting that he was "absolutely thrilled" that the city's Redevelopment Agency would be receiving the money from the federal agency.
Horwedel credited the "fine work our Community Service Director Jim McDaniel," in obtaining the EPA grants and other money for the midtown clean-up.
The three sites contain hazardous substances and petroleum-based contaminants, Horwedel said.
2011年6月14日星期二
Capstone Turbine's CEO Discusses Q4 2011 Results - Earnings Call Transcript
Good day, ladies and gentlemen, and welcome to Capstone Turbine Corporation Earnings Conference Call for Fourth Quarter and Fiscal Year 2011 Financial Results ended March 31, 2011. My name is Stacy, and I'll be your conference moderator for today. [Operator Instructions] As a reminder, this conference call is being recorded for replay purposes.
During today's call, Capstone management will be referencing slides that can be located at www.capstoneturbine.com under the Investor Relations section. At this time, I would like to introduce your host for today, Ms. Jayme Brooks, Vice President of Finance and Chief Accounting Officer. Please proceed.
Jayme Brooks
Thank you. Good afternoon, and welcome to Capstone Turbine Corporation's Conference Call for the Fourth Quarter and Year Ended March 31, 2011. I am Jayme Brooks, your contact for today's conference call.
Capstone filed its annual report on Form 10-Q with the Securities and Exchange Commission today, June 14, 2011. If you do not have access to this document and would like one, please contact Investor Relations via telephone at (818) 407-3628 or e-mail ir@capstoneturbine.com, or you can view all of our public filings on the SEC website at www.sec.gov or on our website at www.capstoneturbine.com.
During the course of this conference call, management may make projections or other forward-looking statements regarding future events or financial performance of the company within the meaning of the Safe Harbor provision of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995.
These statements relate to, among other things, future financial performance in attaining profitability; the ability to reduce cost and improve inventory turns and contribution margins; higher average selling prices; continued growth in current market conditions; the availability of a line of credit; the success of the C200 and C1000 products; new products and technologies; compliance with certain government regulations and increased government awareness in funding of our products; growing market share and market adoption of our products; new applications for our products; growth in the oil and gas and hydroelectric vehicle markets; increased opportunities in Japan, revenue growth and increased sales volumes, our success in key market segments; our ability to enter into new relationships with channel partners and distributors and other third parties; the energy efficiency, reliability, and low cost of ownership of our products; and the expansion of production capacity manufacturing efficiency and improved relationships with suppliers.
These forward-looking statements are subject to numerous assumptions, risks and uncertainties, including the following: Our expectations about expansion into key markets may not be realized. Certain strategic business initiatives and relationships may not be sustained and may not lead to increased sales. We may not be able to reduce our manufacturing costs. The growth in our backlog has significantly exceeded our internal forecast. In order to meet this increased demand, we may need to raise additional funds to meet our anticipated cash needs for working capital and capital expenditures.
The current economy can make it difficult or impossible for us to raise necessary funds and for our customers to buy our products. We may not be able to utilize our line of credit, for example, as a result of a failure to meet a financial covenant. We may not be able to expand production capacity to meet our demand for our products. We may not be able to obtain sufficient materials at reasonable prices.
If we fail to meet all applicable NASDAQ global market requirements, the NASDAQ determines to delist our common stock. The delisting could adversely affect the market liquidity of our common stock, impair the value of your investment, and adversely affect our ability to raise needed funds. We have substantial accounts receivable and increased bad debt expense or delays in collecting accounts receivable could have a materially adverse effect in our cash flows and results of operations.
Our release of new products maybe delayed or new products may not perform as we expect. We maybe unable to increase our sales and sustain or increase our profitability in the future. We may not be able to obtain or maintain customer distributor and other relationships that are expected to result in an increase in volume and revenue. We may not be able to comply with all applicable government regulations. We may not be able to retain and develop distributors in our targeted markets, in which case our sales would not increase as expected.
We may not be able to successfully integrate the acquired Calnetix assets and achieve productivity relationships with these distributors. And if we do not effectively implement our sales, marketing, service and product enhancements plan, our sales will not grow and therefore, we may not generate the net revenue we anticipate.
During today's call, Capstone management will be referencing slides that can be located at www.capstoneturbine.com under the Investor Relations section. At this time, I would like to introduce your host for today, Ms. Jayme Brooks, Vice President of Finance and Chief Accounting Officer. Please proceed.
Jayme Brooks
Thank you. Good afternoon, and welcome to Capstone Turbine Corporation's Conference Call for the Fourth Quarter and Year Ended March 31, 2011. I am Jayme Brooks, your contact for today's conference call.
Capstone filed its annual report on Form 10-Q with the Securities and Exchange Commission today, June 14, 2011. If you do not have access to this document and would like one, please contact Investor Relations via telephone at (818) 407-3628 or e-mail ir@capstoneturbine.com, or you can view all of our public filings on the SEC website at www.sec.gov or on our website at www.capstoneturbine.com.
During the course of this conference call, management may make projections or other forward-looking statements regarding future events or financial performance of the company within the meaning of the Safe Harbor provision of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995.
These statements relate to, among other things, future financial performance in attaining profitability; the ability to reduce cost and improve inventory turns and contribution margins; higher average selling prices; continued growth in current market conditions; the availability of a line of credit; the success of the C200 and C1000 products; new products and technologies; compliance with certain government regulations and increased government awareness in funding of our products; growing market share and market adoption of our products; new applications for our products; growth in the oil and gas and hydroelectric vehicle markets; increased opportunities in Japan, revenue growth and increased sales volumes, our success in key market segments; our ability to enter into new relationships with channel partners and distributors and other third parties; the energy efficiency, reliability, and low cost of ownership of our products; and the expansion of production capacity manufacturing efficiency and improved relationships with suppliers.
These forward-looking statements are subject to numerous assumptions, risks and uncertainties, including the following: Our expectations about expansion into key markets may not be realized. Certain strategic business initiatives and relationships may not be sustained and may not lead to increased sales. We may not be able to reduce our manufacturing costs. The growth in our backlog has significantly exceeded our internal forecast. In order to meet this increased demand, we may need to raise additional funds to meet our anticipated cash needs for working capital and capital expenditures.
The current economy can make it difficult or impossible for us to raise necessary funds and for our customers to buy our products. We may not be able to utilize our line of credit, for example, as a result of a failure to meet a financial covenant. We may not be able to expand production capacity to meet our demand for our products. We may not be able to obtain sufficient materials at reasonable prices.
If we fail to meet all applicable NASDAQ global market requirements, the NASDAQ determines to delist our common stock. The delisting could adversely affect the market liquidity of our common stock, impair the value of your investment, and adversely affect our ability to raise needed funds. We have substantial accounts receivable and increased bad debt expense or delays in collecting accounts receivable could have a materially adverse effect in our cash flows and results of operations.
Our release of new products maybe delayed or new products may not perform as we expect. We maybe unable to increase our sales and sustain or increase our profitability in the future. We may not be able to obtain or maintain customer distributor and other relationships that are expected to result in an increase in volume and revenue. We may not be able to comply with all applicable government regulations. We may not be able to retain and develop distributors in our targeted markets, in which case our sales would not increase as expected.
We may not be able to successfully integrate the acquired Calnetix assets and achieve productivity relationships with these distributors. And if we do not effectively implement our sales, marketing, service and product enhancements plan, our sales will not grow and therefore, we may not generate the net revenue we anticipate.
Solar energy market opens new opportunities for cooling solutions, says NS Micro Motor
The surging oil price has drawn much attention to the development of renewable energies, in particular, solar energy. According to Solarbuzz, worldwide solar photovoltaic (PV) market installations reached a record high of 18.2GW in 2010, representing a 139% growth on year. Growth will continue in 2011 when the market of related manufacturing equipment is expected to climb 41% from a year earlier to US$15.2 billion, said the market research firm.
TrendForce's statistics also suggests that the global solar cell production capacity is estimated at 20-25GW in 2011, and demand will continue to grow at 20-25% per year.
Digitimes recently had a chance to talk to Leon Wang, senior supervisor of Marketing Center for NS Micro Motor Technology, to discuss how the rising demand for solar energy worldwide could generate new growth opportunities for his company. Specializing in the manufacture of computer fans and blowers, NS Micro Motor has expanded its product lineup specifically designed for use in PV inverters and uninterrupted power systems (UPS), and has grown its client portfolio to include Motech Industries and other major solar cell companies.
The following is an excerpt of the conversation.
Cooling solutions for solar applications
NS Micro Motor has a complete portfolio of fan modules targeted at solar inverters and UPS. Similar to cooling solutions used for other different applications, those designed specifically for parts and components used in solar-powered devices require a certain degree of performance and stability. But the latter segment should also meet some special requirements such as the ability to resist weather of all kinds.
As solar power systems must be installed outdoors to receive direct sunlight, parts and components used to build the installations will require a higher level of weather resistance than those used for other applications. Different countries around the world have varying climate and weather conditions. For instance, weather patterns in Europe and the Middle East are very different.
Furthermore, in many countries, the difference between day and night time temperatures could be huge. For example, the desert regions of the Middle East have wide diurnal temperature ranges. Average temperatures are around 40 degrees Celsius during the day, but fall to minus 10 degrees Celsius at night time. Accordingly, components and parts used in solar installations may even comply with stringent military level specifications for temperature and humidity, waterproofing and dust resistance.
In addition, PV system parts and components have to be certified in accordance with different standards for electrical equipment around the world. Products exported to the US must meet the IP laboratory standards while those to Europe are required to be VDE-approved. NS Micro Motor's cooling modules for solar applications all conform to both standards, joining Japan's Sanyo Electric, and Taiwan-based Sunonwealth Electric Machine Industry and Delta Electronics.
TrendForce's statistics also suggests that the global solar cell production capacity is estimated at 20-25GW in 2011, and demand will continue to grow at 20-25% per year.
Digitimes recently had a chance to talk to Leon Wang, senior supervisor of Marketing Center for NS Micro Motor Technology, to discuss how the rising demand for solar energy worldwide could generate new growth opportunities for his company. Specializing in the manufacture of computer fans and blowers, NS Micro Motor has expanded its product lineup specifically designed for use in PV inverters and uninterrupted power systems (UPS), and has grown its client portfolio to include Motech Industries and other major solar cell companies.
The following is an excerpt of the conversation.
Cooling solutions for solar applications
NS Micro Motor has a complete portfolio of fan modules targeted at solar inverters and UPS. Similar to cooling solutions used for other different applications, those designed specifically for parts and components used in solar-powered devices require a certain degree of performance and stability. But the latter segment should also meet some special requirements such as the ability to resist weather of all kinds.
As solar power systems must be installed outdoors to receive direct sunlight, parts and components used to build the installations will require a higher level of weather resistance than those used for other applications. Different countries around the world have varying climate and weather conditions. For instance, weather patterns in Europe and the Middle East are very different.
Furthermore, in many countries, the difference between day and night time temperatures could be huge. For example, the desert regions of the Middle East have wide diurnal temperature ranges. Average temperatures are around 40 degrees Celsius during the day, but fall to minus 10 degrees Celsius at night time. Accordingly, components and parts used in solar installations may even comply with stringent military level specifications for temperature and humidity, waterproofing and dust resistance.
In addition, PV system parts and components have to be certified in accordance with different standards for electrical equipment around the world. Products exported to the US must meet the IP laboratory standards while those to Europe are required to be VDE-approved. NS Micro Motor's cooling modules for solar applications all conform to both standards, joining Japan's Sanyo Electric, and Taiwan-based Sunonwealth Electric Machine Industry and Delta Electronics.
2011年6月12日星期日
Power-One joins the microinverter movement
"The new offerings expand our broad array of products and services for the solar market," said Power-One President of Renewable Energy Solutions Dr. Alex Levran.
"We are excited to present not only several new inverters which combine high innovation content and key features, but also to introduce the AURORA Vision offering which provides greater system control and yield for our customers."
Microinverter companies have attempted to position their products as a disruptive technology to conventional string inverters.
As such, the introduction of a microinverter line by the second-largest maker of inverters for solar photovoltaic (PV) applications is an interesting signal for the future of the technology.
In presenting the Micro-0.3, Power-One cites the advantages typically advertised by microinverter makers, including minimizing losses in challenging conditions and module-level MPPT management.
Ultra-1400 offers high conversion efficiencies, wide input voltage range
Power-One states that its large-scale Ultra-1400 offers power conversion efficiencies up to 98.7%. The inverter also accepts an extra wide input voltage range and multiple maximum power point tracking (MPPT) channels, which the company says allows it to optimize energy harvest across a wide array of operating conditions.
The inverter's enclosure includes passive liquid cooling and total segregation of internal compartments. Power-One notes that the inverter's modular structure allows for extraction of sub-assemblies, which it says eases both installation and maintenance.
Aurora Vision offers a range of monitoring and control services
The company also unveiled its new Aurora Vision line at the trade show, which involves hardware, software and accessories.
The company states that in order to maximize system energy output while minimizing costs, the software includes a full range of system fault management, diagnostics, asset tracking, performance index and alerting services.
Accessories include a desktop monitoring system and the EVO Easy control, which allows monitoring of inverter performance over the internet.
"We are excited to present not only several new inverters which combine high innovation content and key features, but also to introduce the AURORA Vision offering which provides greater system control and yield for our customers."
Microinverter companies have attempted to position their products as a disruptive technology to conventional string inverters.
As such, the introduction of a microinverter line by the second-largest maker of inverters for solar photovoltaic (PV) applications is an interesting signal for the future of the technology.
In presenting the Micro-0.3, Power-One cites the advantages typically advertised by microinverter makers, including minimizing losses in challenging conditions and module-level MPPT management.
Ultra-1400 offers high conversion efficiencies, wide input voltage range
Power-One states that its large-scale Ultra-1400 offers power conversion efficiencies up to 98.7%. The inverter also accepts an extra wide input voltage range and multiple maximum power point tracking (MPPT) channels, which the company says allows it to optimize energy harvest across a wide array of operating conditions.
The inverter's enclosure includes passive liquid cooling and total segregation of internal compartments. Power-One notes that the inverter's modular structure allows for extraction of sub-assemblies, which it says eases both installation and maintenance.
Aurora Vision offers a range of monitoring and control services
The company also unveiled its new Aurora Vision line at the trade show, which involves hardware, software and accessories.
The company states that in order to maximize system energy output while minimizing costs, the software includes a full range of system fault management, diagnostics, asset tracking, performance index and alerting services.
Accessories include a desktop monitoring system and the EVO Easy control, which allows monitoring of inverter performance over the internet.
North Georgia Medical Office Sees The (Solar) Light
Energy Solar Systems, the solar division of Energy Roofing Systems, recently broke ground on a 37.49kW rooftop and ground mount solar install for an orthopedic office in North Georgia. The double layer ground-mount will be located along the back perimeter of the medical office's parking lot. The system is expected to generate 58,000 kWh of energy in the first year of operation alone.
Comprised of one hundred and sixty-three 230 watt panels and the latest in solar energy conversion microinverter technology, the orthopedic office will see an estimated one-half million dollars in energy savings over 35 years, reducing their monthly bill by over 15%. The project takes advantage of various federal and state tax incentives that help offset over 90% of the upfront cost.
The development is a win-win for the medical company. It will not only save them money and help protect against the already signed into legislation power rate increases from GA Power, but will also establish the orthopedic office as a role model for other medical companies and North Georgia businesses in the area to adopt renewables and implement clean energy practices.
Comprised of one hundred and sixty-three 230 watt panels and the latest in solar energy conversion microinverter technology, the orthopedic office will see an estimated one-half million dollars in energy savings over 35 years, reducing their monthly bill by over 15%. The project takes advantage of various federal and state tax incentives that help offset over 90% of the upfront cost.
The development is a win-win for the medical company. It will not only save them money and help protect against the already signed into legislation power rate increases from GA Power, but will also establish the orthopedic office as a role model for other medical companies and North Georgia businesses in the area to adopt renewables and implement clean energy practices.
2011年6月8日星期三
Enecsys unveils the cost-saving 480W Duo micro inverter for solar PV modules
Enecsys Limited, supplier of reliable solar micro inverter systems, unveils the SMI-D480W-60, a 480 Watt micro inverter that mounts on the railing system and accepts DC input from two individual solar modules. This Duo micro inverter enables maximum power point tracking for both modules and reduces inverter cost compared with using one micro inverter per module so that there is no cost premium over string inverters.
The DC power generated by the two solar modules is converted into a single, grid-compliant AC output in the 480W unit, which has a maximum input current of 24A. With a peak efficiency of 96 percent and Euro efficiency of 94 percent, the new micro inverter is housed in an IP66-rated enclosure. It weighs 2.1kg and the main body measures 245mm x 160mm x 40mm. The Enecsys SMI D480W-60 has the highest power density of any commercially available solar micro inverter.
The SMI-D480W-60 micro inverter operates from -40 to +85 degrees C, has over 25 years' service life and is supplied with a 20-year limited warranty. Solar PV installations with Enecsys Duo micro inverters deliver 5 percent to 20 percent more energy over the life of the system, depending on the operating environment and installation configuration. Using Enecsys micro inverters eliminates the problem of dramatic reductions in energy harvest when solar modules are mismatched or when one module, or part of a module, has its output reduced through shading or accumulation of surface debris. This causes major energy harvest problems for string
inverter systems.
Based on a patented inverter design that removes life-limiting components, including electrolytic capacitors and opto-couplers, the reliability of the Enecsys SMI-D480W-60 has been verified using industry-standard test methods including HALT and HTOL. The inverters have also undergone thermal cycling to IEC61215, the same tests applied to solar PV modules.
The Enecsys SMI-D480W-60 meets CE, EN 62109 and EN 6100-6 safety and EMC standards. Like other products within the Enecsys micro inverter family, it has UL1741 certification that is required for the US and Canadian markets. Country-specific requirements, including VDE V 0126-1:2006 compliance, are met by using specific grid connection products.
Each Enecsys micro inverter has a built-in wireless communication system that transmits detailed performance information for the connected solar modules to the Internet via the Gateway, enabling real-time and historical monitoring.
A new iPhone application, compatible with iPhone 4 and iPhone 3GS models, is also announced. Installers can use the application to monitor multiple sites located anywhere in the world, from anywhere with a mobile data connection. For each site, information is provided about the installation date, location, current weather conditions and real-time as well as historical system performance information.
The DC power generated by the two solar modules is converted into a single, grid-compliant AC output in the 480W unit, which has a maximum input current of 24A. With a peak efficiency of 96 percent and Euro efficiency of 94 percent, the new micro inverter is housed in an IP66-rated enclosure. It weighs 2.1kg and the main body measures 245mm x 160mm x 40mm. The Enecsys SMI D480W-60 has the highest power density of any commercially available solar micro inverter.
The SMI-D480W-60 micro inverter operates from -40 to +85 degrees C, has over 25 years' service life and is supplied with a 20-year limited warranty. Solar PV installations with Enecsys Duo micro inverters deliver 5 percent to 20 percent more energy over the life of the system, depending on the operating environment and installation configuration. Using Enecsys micro inverters eliminates the problem of dramatic reductions in energy harvest when solar modules are mismatched or when one module, or part of a module, has its output reduced through shading or accumulation of surface debris. This causes major energy harvest problems for string
inverter systems.
Based on a patented inverter design that removes life-limiting components, including electrolytic capacitors and opto-couplers, the reliability of the Enecsys SMI-D480W-60 has been verified using industry-standard test methods including HALT and HTOL. The inverters have also undergone thermal cycling to IEC61215, the same tests applied to solar PV modules.
The Enecsys SMI-D480W-60 meets CE, EN 62109 and EN 6100-6 safety and EMC standards. Like other products within the Enecsys micro inverter family, it has UL1741 certification that is required for the US and Canadian markets. Country-specific requirements, including VDE V 0126-1:2006 compliance, are met by using specific grid connection products.
Each Enecsys micro inverter has a built-in wireless communication system that transmits detailed performance information for the connected solar modules to the Internet via the Gateway, enabling real-time and historical monitoring.
A new iPhone application, compatible with iPhone 4 and iPhone 3GS models, is also announced. Installers can use the application to monitor multiple sites located anywhere in the world, from anywhere with a mobile data connection. For each site, information is provided about the installation date, location, current weather conditions and real-time as well as historical system performance information.
Enphase launches new 215 watt-AC microinverter
“The all-inclusive third generation microinverter system delivers a set of innovations that – coupled with now over 750,000 units shipped – clearly establishes Enphase as a trusted brand in solar,” said Enphase CEO Paul Nahi.
“Our new offering delivers exactly what installers have been asking for – a proven, no-compromise microinverter system that sets the bar for efficiency, is simple to install and is guaranteed for the 20 to 25 year expected lifetime of the solar system.”
M215 compatible with 60-cell modules
Enphase states that the M215 is the only microinverter to achieve a weighted power efficiency of 96%.
The microinverter is rated to 215 watts-AC, 13% higher than previous generations, which Enphase says makes it compatible with higher-power 60-cell modules.
The M215 comes with a 25-year limited warranty, as well as Enphase's Enlighten monitoring and analysis service and the Envoy communications gateway.
Enphase says the M215 is currently available in the United States with CSA certification and will be available in Europe with VDE certification in the second half of 2011.
Enphase-enabled AC modules to ship in 2H 2012
The Engage system is comprised of the size-to-fit Engage cable and the Engage Port, an ACM microinverter port which replaces the standard DC junction box on a PV module.
Enphase states that built-in connectors on the Engage cable can support a 4kW system on a single branch.
Enphase further states that its module manufacturing partners will begin shipping AC modules which incorporate Enphase microinverters in the second half of 2012.
“Our new offering delivers exactly what installers have been asking for – a proven, no-compromise microinverter system that sets the bar for efficiency, is simple to install and is guaranteed for the 20 to 25 year expected lifetime of the solar system.”
M215 compatible with 60-cell modules
Enphase states that the M215 is the only microinverter to achieve a weighted power efficiency of 96%.
The microinverter is rated to 215 watts-AC, 13% higher than previous generations, which Enphase says makes it compatible with higher-power 60-cell modules.
The M215 comes with a 25-year limited warranty, as well as Enphase's Enlighten monitoring and analysis service and the Envoy communications gateway.
Enphase says the M215 is currently available in the United States with CSA certification and will be available in Europe with VDE certification in the second half of 2011.
Enphase-enabled AC modules to ship in 2H 2012
The Engage system is comprised of the size-to-fit Engage cable and the Engage Port, an ACM microinverter port which replaces the standard DC junction box on a PV module.
Enphase states that built-in connectors on the Engage cable can support a 4kW system on a single branch.
Enphase further states that its module manufacturing partners will begin shipping AC modules which incorporate Enphase microinverters in the second half of 2012.
2011年6月6日星期一
At 215 watts alternating current
The first product in the 215-Series, the standalone M215 microinverter is available for purchase in North America from Enphase's authorised distributors. Enphase also launched the Engage System, a patent-pending mechanical and electrical interconnection system for streamlining solar installations. All 215-Series microinverters incorporate Enphase's third-generation technology, which was developed specifically to maximise the performance of 60-cell photovoltaic (PV) modules. This technology includes:
• Efficiency: The M215 microinverter has achieved a weighted power conversion efficiency of 96% (California Energy Commission—CEC).
• Power: At 215 watts alternating current (Wac), the new microinverter has a higher output than previous generations, enabling compatibility with high-power 60-cell modules.
• 25-Year Limited Warranty: The 215-Series 25-year limited warranty enables system owners to realize the full value of their solar system over its expected 20-to-25 year lifetime. The Enlighten monitoring and analysis service is included with the Envoy communications gateway to maximise system uptime.
• Standalone and AC Module (ACM) Models: Available in North America with Canadian Standards Association (CSA) certification and soon in Europe with VDE – Association of Electrical, Electronic and Information Technologies certification, the 215-Series microinverter addresses a large and growing global solar market. The 215-Series ACM model further simplifies installation by eliminating rack mounting, a separate system ground wire and direct current (DC) cable management.
With the 215-Series microinverter comes the "plug and play" Engage System, which simplifies the Enphase microinverter installation process. It includes the Engage Cable, which can be cut to length and comes with additional cable termination and splice kits to further reduce balance of systems requirements. It also comes with the Engage Port, which replaces the standard DC junction box on a PV module.
The M215-Series Microinverter and Engage System are now shipping in North America, with the European model available for purchase in the second half of 2011. Enphase-enabled AC modules from module manufacturers are expected to ship in the first half of 2012.
• Efficiency: The M215 microinverter has achieved a weighted power conversion efficiency of 96% (California Energy Commission—CEC).
• Power: At 215 watts alternating current (Wac), the new microinverter has a higher output than previous generations, enabling compatibility with high-power 60-cell modules.
• 25-Year Limited Warranty: The 215-Series 25-year limited warranty enables system owners to realize the full value of their solar system over its expected 20-to-25 year lifetime. The Enlighten monitoring and analysis service is included with the Envoy communications gateway to maximise system uptime.
• Standalone and AC Module (ACM) Models: Available in North America with Canadian Standards Association (CSA) certification and soon in Europe with VDE – Association of Electrical, Electronic and Information Technologies certification, the 215-Series microinverter addresses a large and growing global solar market. The 215-Series ACM model further simplifies installation by eliminating rack mounting, a separate system ground wire and direct current (DC) cable management.
With the 215-Series microinverter comes the "plug and play" Engage System, which simplifies the Enphase microinverter installation process. It includes the Engage Cable, which can be cut to length and comes with additional cable termination and splice kits to further reduce balance of systems requirements. It also comes with the Engage Port, which replaces the standard DC junction box on a PV module.
The M215-Series Microinverter and Engage System are now shipping in North America, with the European model available for purchase in the second half of 2011. Enphase-enabled AC modules from module manufacturers are expected to ship in the first half of 2012.
Microinverter and Solar Electronics Roundup
GTM Research forecasts a $6.9 billion PV inverter market for 2011 and MJ Shiao, GTM's inverter expert, just published the authoritative report on the Global PV Inverter Landscape.
The sub-sector of inverters, microinverters and their kin -- dubbed "distributed inversion and optimization" -- is a small, innovative and growing segment of the market, and Shiao explores it comprehensively in his report.
We've covered the potential benefits of distributed electronics at length in our solar coverage at Greentech Media. There are potential energy harvest gains, potential improvements in design flexibility, and potential reliability gains. There is some question as to whether the microinverter solution or the DC-to-DC power optimizer architecture is the way to go.
Intersolar Europe is officially underway this week and there's the usual flood of announcements coming from the conference. Here's a roundup of news in the microinverter and distributed electronics sector to keep our readership on top of this important and emerging piece of the solar installation puzzle.
Array Converter is still in stealth. Read about them here and peruse their patents here. Make sure to check out this comment thread here.
Azuray is displaying their power-optimizer/junction box and communications gateway in partnership with Renhe Photovoltaic Technology, a large China-based PV junction box manufacturer.
Direct Grid's micro-inverters for large commercial and utility-scale projects use Echelon Corporation's energy control networking software.
eIQ Energy signed an agreement with Granite Construction (NYSE: GVA) to provide parallel solar technology for a 1.2-megawatt solar PV installation at Granite's aggregate and hot mix facility in Coalinga, California.
Enecsys won $41 million in round B VC funding from Climate Change Capital Private Equity, Wellington Partners, NES Partners, and Good Energies last month. Each Enecsys micro inverter has a built-in ZigBee wireless monitoring system.
Enphase has hit the 750,000-unit mark on microinverter shipments. At this pace, the one-million-unit threshold is only a few months away. The firm also launched its most efficient microinverter (96 percent CEC-weighted), along with a 25-year limited warranty.
Involar builds microinverters in China that look a lot like Enphase microinverters, on the outside at least.
National Semiconductor's integrated circuits are designed for use in PV system microinverters, power optimizers, and charge controllers.
Petra Solar is going global with their pole-mounted AC module.
Phobos Energy has a license agreement with Colorado University for PV balance-of-system technology developed at CU-Boulder's Colorado Power Electronics Center.
The sub-sector of inverters, microinverters and their kin -- dubbed "distributed inversion and optimization" -- is a small, innovative and growing segment of the market, and Shiao explores it comprehensively in his report.
We've covered the potential benefits of distributed electronics at length in our solar coverage at Greentech Media. There are potential energy harvest gains, potential improvements in design flexibility, and potential reliability gains. There is some question as to whether the microinverter solution or the DC-to-DC power optimizer architecture is the way to go.
Intersolar Europe is officially underway this week and there's the usual flood of announcements coming from the conference. Here's a roundup of news in the microinverter and distributed electronics sector to keep our readership on top of this important and emerging piece of the solar installation puzzle.
Array Converter is still in stealth. Read about them here and peruse their patents here. Make sure to check out this comment thread here.
Azuray is displaying their power-optimizer/junction box and communications gateway in partnership with Renhe Photovoltaic Technology, a large China-based PV junction box manufacturer.
Direct Grid's micro-inverters for large commercial and utility-scale projects use Echelon Corporation's energy control networking software.
eIQ Energy signed an agreement with Granite Construction (NYSE: GVA) to provide parallel solar technology for a 1.2-megawatt solar PV installation at Granite's aggregate and hot mix facility in Coalinga, California.
Enecsys won $41 million in round B VC funding from Climate Change Capital Private Equity, Wellington Partners, NES Partners, and Good Energies last month. Each Enecsys micro inverter has a built-in ZigBee wireless monitoring system.
Enphase has hit the 750,000-unit mark on microinverter shipments. At this pace, the one-million-unit threshold is only a few months away. The firm also launched its most efficient microinverter (96 percent CEC-weighted), along with a 25-year limited warranty.
Involar builds microinverters in China that look a lot like Enphase microinverters, on the outside at least.
National Semiconductor's integrated circuits are designed for use in PV system microinverters, power optimizers, and charge controllers.
Petra Solar is going global with their pole-mounted AC module.
Phobos Energy has a license agreement with Colorado University for PV balance-of-system technology developed at CU-Boulder's Colorado Power Electronics Center.
2011年6月1日星期三
PV Micro Inverters and Optimizers: Not Just for Lazy Designers
More and more solar electric installations are using AC micro inverters and DC to DC optimizer electrical balance of systems (BOS) components. This BOS gear goes directly on the back sides of PV modules providing higher valued electricity than output from the PV cells alone.
Two years ago I considered micro inverters as only necessary for lazy designs or bad installation practices. I’ve changed my attitude towards these approaches after organizing two years of forums as the American Solar Energy Society (ASES) Solar Electric Division Chairperson. These forums brought together experts who compared and contrasted AC micro inverters and DC to DC optimizer BOS equipment.
PV panels previously could not be installed in partially shaded locations because shade over a small area of the panel would drastically reduce the power production of the entire PV system. Now, shaded systems can benefit from AC micro inverters because each PV module can operate independently, instead of at an aggregated system level. Miss-matched PV modules were previously binned before installations so that each string had similar performing modules. Now the new electrical BOS gear eliminates problems with under, or over performing modules. More recently, I have learned about the cost reduction and performance enhancing promises of these distributed technologies.
These electrical BOS approaches have evolved substantially in the last few years, and have come a long way since the first failed introduction of micro AC inverters in the late 90's.
Micro-BOS Approaches
Micro electrical BOS components promise easier designs, lower installed costs, along with improving annual performance. Module level electrical BOS solutions for PV have many different flavors. All strategies promise to reduce the impact of individually miss-matched PV module performance over time, possibly reducing wiring and installation labor costs. Some products have communication strategies which help owners understand real-time performance and maintenance opportunities. Depending upon the project specifics, the levelized cost of energy could be reduced 20% or more.
AC micro inverters attempt to optimize efficiency by converting the DC voltage from PV modules into AC voltage that match the electrical grid’s specifications. This enables AC wires to be used, along with widely available AC electricians. Some DC to DC optimizers strategies boost the DC voltage to an optimal level. Others boost and/or buck (reduce) to maintain a specific DC voltage. There are parallel connections that add amperage, and series connections that add voltages. DC to DC optimizers raise the system voltage, lowering the wiring costs, but still need a box to invert the higher DC voltage to AC. Standard AC inverters are being optimized to work with DC to DC equipment.
Project specifics will determine which micro approach, if any, would be most appropriate. The trends are for residential systems to have AC micro inverters, and large systems to have DC to DC optimization.
The Shoot-Off Forums
At last year’s ASES Shoot-Off Forum, we had AC micro inverter companies in the same room with DC to DC optimizers comparing and contrasting their gear. This year we separated the forums into one AC micro inverter and one DC to DC optimizer group. Next year we will likely further divide the forums into companies that are shipping and companies that hope to ship.
This year’s forum included a presentation from the leading company shipping these types of solutions, Enphase Energy. Founded in 2006, they have shipped over 750,000 AC Micro Inverter units, with 25,000 installations in North America in the last 30 months. They have a 13% market share for US residential installations below 10 kW. According to Enphase, micro inverters will be 11% of all world wide inverters by 2014, which means we need to keep a close eye on these market trends reshaping the PV industry.
For the first time in public, Ampt LLC presented their large-scale PV systems approach with their DC to DC optimizer technology. Ampt’s roots are intertwined with Advanced Energy Industries Inc. (stock symbol AEIS), which makes thin film deposition power conversion and thermal instrumentation equipment as well as PV power inverters. On May 3, 2010, Advanced Energy (AE) acquired all of the outstanding common stock of PV Powered providing AE with a full line of DC to AC Power Inverters. The Co-founder and Chairman of AE is Douglas S. Schatz. He is listed as an inventor on Ampt patents and is Chairman of Abound Solar (previously AVA Solar). A nice central station thin film PV solution is evolving from this AE / Abound Solar and Ampt relationship. In my option, thin films can benefit from these micro technologies because of the soft shape of the power curves and immaturity of thin film technologies in comparison to crystalline PV.
At the forum, SolarBridge Technologies announced volume production of their AC micro inverter including strategic partnerships with PV module manufactures. They are offering a 25-year warranty through their PV module panel integrators. This makes for a central warranty location, as long as the PV module companies stay in business. Matching module warranty with the micro gear is a very good marketing strategy. Very long mean time between failure (MTBF) numbers were presented by various companies, in the 400 to 500 year ranges. The high operating temperatures of this gear exposed to the heat of the sun make these MTBF’s highly questionable. The PV industry will surely become more savvy in estimating and marketing MTBF in the future.
Other unique strategies were presented at the forum. eIQ Energy presented their parallel DC to DC optimizer including an integrated wiring harness solution made by Shoals Technologies Group. Tigo Energy explained how their DC to DC optimizer solution uses a combination of real-time module and string-level information to compute the optimal operating state of each PV module. There are many more micro approaches and business models being promoted in today’s micro electrical BOS space.
Future Competition
Be on the look out for two international leaders in traditional PV AC inverters to introduce micro inverters; Power-One (stock symbol PWER) and SMA Solar Technology AG (stock symbol SMTGF.PK/S92.DE). In September 2009, SMA purchased OK4U, one of the original micro AC inverter technologies. Kaco New Energy Inc’s transformer-less inverter was shown as a partner for the DC to DC strategies in the forum, and like other existing inverter companies, will have good opportunities to customize their grid interactive technologies with micro technologies.
Beware, these micro technologies are highly duplicate-able. This means they will probably be championed by very intelligent electrical engineers from developing nations. I heard a rumour from this year’s Solarexpo conference in Verona that there was an Enphase knock-off from China, everything the same, except the very important aspect of quality.
Copycat designs will be enabled by National Semiconductor's May 2011 announcement of the availability of their integrated circuits (IC’s) for use in the design of PV system micro inverters, power optimizers, and charge controllers. National Semiconductor ended its original June of 2008 SolarMagic business of selling complete micro components and calling it a “per-panel electronics solution that maximizes power output of multi-panel installations”. Now, they are backing up the supply chain to supply IC’s instead of BOS components. Texas Instruments has been marketing PV power IC’s for a few years.
The largest inverter companies, and the smallest companies enabled with computer chips from National Semiconductor and Texas Instruments are creating an exciting playing field for micro PV BOS solutions. All these approaches continue to put pressure on lowering installed PV system costs, increasing the annual performance and increasing the market for less than optimal installations. We will be seeing increased innovations from electronics integrated directly on the back of DC PV modules. It is all very exciting; the innovations, and our learning how they fit into the PV industry has just begun.
Two years ago I considered micro inverters as only necessary for lazy designs or bad installation practices. I’ve changed my attitude towards these approaches after organizing two years of forums as the American Solar Energy Society (ASES) Solar Electric Division Chairperson. These forums brought together experts who compared and contrasted AC micro inverters and DC to DC optimizer BOS equipment.
PV panels previously could not be installed in partially shaded locations because shade over a small area of the panel would drastically reduce the power production of the entire PV system. Now, shaded systems can benefit from AC micro inverters because each PV module can operate independently, instead of at an aggregated system level. Miss-matched PV modules were previously binned before installations so that each string had similar performing modules. Now the new electrical BOS gear eliminates problems with under, or over performing modules. More recently, I have learned about the cost reduction and performance enhancing promises of these distributed technologies.
These electrical BOS approaches have evolved substantially in the last few years, and have come a long way since the first failed introduction of micro AC inverters in the late 90's.
Micro-BOS Approaches
Micro electrical BOS components promise easier designs, lower installed costs, along with improving annual performance. Module level electrical BOS solutions for PV have many different flavors. All strategies promise to reduce the impact of individually miss-matched PV module performance over time, possibly reducing wiring and installation labor costs. Some products have communication strategies which help owners understand real-time performance and maintenance opportunities. Depending upon the project specifics, the levelized cost of energy could be reduced 20% or more.
AC micro inverters attempt to optimize efficiency by converting the DC voltage from PV modules into AC voltage that match the electrical grid’s specifications. This enables AC wires to be used, along with widely available AC electricians. Some DC to DC optimizers strategies boost the DC voltage to an optimal level. Others boost and/or buck (reduce) to maintain a specific DC voltage. There are parallel connections that add amperage, and series connections that add voltages. DC to DC optimizers raise the system voltage, lowering the wiring costs, but still need a box to invert the higher DC voltage to AC. Standard AC inverters are being optimized to work with DC to DC equipment.
Project specifics will determine which micro approach, if any, would be most appropriate. The trends are for residential systems to have AC micro inverters, and large systems to have DC to DC optimization.
The Shoot-Off Forums
At last year’s ASES Shoot-Off Forum, we had AC micro inverter companies in the same room with DC to DC optimizers comparing and contrasting their gear. This year we separated the forums into one AC micro inverter and one DC to DC optimizer group. Next year we will likely further divide the forums into companies that are shipping and companies that hope to ship.
This year’s forum included a presentation from the leading company shipping these types of solutions, Enphase Energy. Founded in 2006, they have shipped over 750,000 AC Micro Inverter units, with 25,000 installations in North America in the last 30 months. They have a 13% market share for US residential installations below 10 kW. According to Enphase, micro inverters will be 11% of all world wide inverters by 2014, which means we need to keep a close eye on these market trends reshaping the PV industry.
For the first time in public, Ampt LLC presented their large-scale PV systems approach with their DC to DC optimizer technology. Ampt’s roots are intertwined with Advanced Energy Industries Inc. (stock symbol AEIS), which makes thin film deposition power conversion and thermal instrumentation equipment as well as PV power inverters. On May 3, 2010, Advanced Energy (AE) acquired all of the outstanding common stock of PV Powered providing AE with a full line of DC to AC Power Inverters. The Co-founder and Chairman of AE is Douglas S. Schatz. He is listed as an inventor on Ampt patents and is Chairman of Abound Solar (previously AVA Solar). A nice central station thin film PV solution is evolving from this AE / Abound Solar and Ampt relationship. In my option, thin films can benefit from these micro technologies because of the soft shape of the power curves and immaturity of thin film technologies in comparison to crystalline PV.
At the forum, SolarBridge Technologies announced volume production of their AC micro inverter including strategic partnerships with PV module manufactures. They are offering a 25-year warranty through their PV module panel integrators. This makes for a central warranty location, as long as the PV module companies stay in business. Matching module warranty with the micro gear is a very good marketing strategy. Very long mean time between failure (MTBF) numbers were presented by various companies, in the 400 to 500 year ranges. The high operating temperatures of this gear exposed to the heat of the sun make these MTBF’s highly questionable. The PV industry will surely become more savvy in estimating and marketing MTBF in the future.
Other unique strategies were presented at the forum. eIQ Energy presented their parallel DC to DC optimizer including an integrated wiring harness solution made by Shoals Technologies Group. Tigo Energy explained how their DC to DC optimizer solution uses a combination of real-time module and string-level information to compute the optimal operating state of each PV module. There are many more micro approaches and business models being promoted in today’s micro electrical BOS space.
Future Competition
Be on the look out for two international leaders in traditional PV AC inverters to introduce micro inverters; Power-One (stock symbol PWER) and SMA Solar Technology AG (stock symbol SMTGF.PK/S92.DE). In September 2009, SMA purchased OK4U, one of the original micro AC inverter technologies. Kaco New Energy Inc’s transformer-less inverter was shown as a partner for the DC to DC strategies in the forum, and like other existing inverter companies, will have good opportunities to customize their grid interactive technologies with micro technologies.
Beware, these micro technologies are highly duplicate-able. This means they will probably be championed by very intelligent electrical engineers from developing nations. I heard a rumour from this year’s Solarexpo conference in Verona that there was an Enphase knock-off from China, everything the same, except the very important aspect of quality.
Copycat designs will be enabled by National Semiconductor's May 2011 announcement of the availability of their integrated circuits (IC’s) for use in the design of PV system micro inverters, power optimizers, and charge controllers. National Semiconductor ended its original June of 2008 SolarMagic business of selling complete micro components and calling it a “per-panel electronics solution that maximizes power output of multi-panel installations”. Now, they are backing up the supply chain to supply IC’s instead of BOS components. Texas Instruments has been marketing PV power IC’s for a few years.
The largest inverter companies, and the smallest companies enabled with computer chips from National Semiconductor and Texas Instruments are creating an exciting playing field for micro PV BOS solutions. All these approaches continue to put pressure on lowering installed PV system costs, increasing the annual performance and increasing the market for less than optimal installations. We will be seeing increased innovations from electronics integrated directly on the back of DC PV modules. It is all very exciting; the innovations, and our learning how they fit into the PV industry has just begun.
SolarBridge Adds to Board and Executive Team
the leading developer of module-integrated microinverters for the solar industry, today announced that Bill Mulligan has been appointed to the company’s Board of Directors and Bill Paape will join SolarBridge as chief financial officer (CFO).
“We are extremely pleased to welcome Bill Mulligan and Bill Paape to SolarBridge”
“We are extremely pleased to welcome Bill Mulligan and Bill Paape to SolarBridge,” said Ron Van Dell, president and CEO, SolarBridge Technologies. “Both individuals bring vast experience to our team and offer valuable strategic counsel and management expertise. Their contributions will be invaluable as SolarBridge moves into an important growth phase.”
As an internationally known expert in the field of high efficiency silicon photovoltaic cells and solar systems, Mulligan joins SolarBridge’s Board of Directors. Mulligan has more than 20 years of experience in the photovoltaic field and recently retired from SunPower Corp. (NASDAQ: SPWRA, SPWRB), having served as vice president of research and development from 1998 to 2010. Under his leadership, the R&D department developed and commercialized the world’s highest efficiency silicon PV cell (22% average in production). Mulligan also worked at JX Crystals Inc., National Renewable Energy Lab (NREL), AstroPower Inc. and Fairchild/National Semiconductor.
As CFO, Paape will be responsible for overseeing the financial operations and growth of SolarBridge and will lead future fundraising efforts. He has more than 25 years of comprehensive financial management experience, including mergers and acquisitions, treasury, controllership, strategic planning, fundraising, business development and financial analysis. Paape joins SolarBridge from LifeSize Communications Inc., a $130+ million videoconferencing technology company. He served as vice president of finance and CFO from the company’s inception through its $405 million acquisition by Logitech, Inc. in late 2009. Paape also held senior financial management positions at Polycom, Inc., ViaVideo Communications, Inc. and Fisher Scientific.
About SolarBridge Technologies
SolarBridge Technologies, a leader in integrated microinverter technologies for the solar industry, is accelerating the adoption of rooftop solar energy in residential and commercial applications. SolarBridge’s patented Pantheon microinverter mounts directly onto solar modules, greatly increasing system efficiency and reliability, while reducing the cost of solar installation and maintenance. The Pantheon microinverter is designed to match the lifetime of solar modules, enabling module manufacturers to provide a 25-year warranty on their AC modules.
“We are extremely pleased to welcome Bill Mulligan and Bill Paape to SolarBridge”
“We are extremely pleased to welcome Bill Mulligan and Bill Paape to SolarBridge,” said Ron Van Dell, president and CEO, SolarBridge Technologies. “Both individuals bring vast experience to our team and offer valuable strategic counsel and management expertise. Their contributions will be invaluable as SolarBridge moves into an important growth phase.”
As an internationally known expert in the field of high efficiency silicon photovoltaic cells and solar systems, Mulligan joins SolarBridge’s Board of Directors. Mulligan has more than 20 years of experience in the photovoltaic field and recently retired from SunPower Corp. (NASDAQ: SPWRA, SPWRB), having served as vice president of research and development from 1998 to 2010. Under his leadership, the R&D department developed and commercialized the world’s highest efficiency silicon PV cell (22% average in production). Mulligan also worked at JX Crystals Inc., National Renewable Energy Lab (NREL), AstroPower Inc. and Fairchild/National Semiconductor.
As CFO, Paape will be responsible for overseeing the financial operations and growth of SolarBridge and will lead future fundraising efforts. He has more than 25 years of comprehensive financial management experience, including mergers and acquisitions, treasury, controllership, strategic planning, fundraising, business development and financial analysis. Paape joins SolarBridge from LifeSize Communications Inc., a $130+ million videoconferencing technology company. He served as vice president of finance and CFO from the company’s inception through its $405 million acquisition by Logitech, Inc. in late 2009. Paape also held senior financial management positions at Polycom, Inc., ViaVideo Communications, Inc. and Fisher Scientific.
About SolarBridge Technologies
SolarBridge Technologies, a leader in integrated microinverter technologies for the solar industry, is accelerating the adoption of rooftop solar energy in residential and commercial applications. SolarBridge’s patented Pantheon microinverter mounts directly onto solar modules, greatly increasing system efficiency and reliability, while reducing the cost of solar installation and maintenance. The Pantheon microinverter is designed to match the lifetime of solar modules, enabling module manufacturers to provide a 25-year warranty on their AC modules.
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