Advanced Solar Photonics (ASP), a manufacturer of photovoltaic equipment and provider of turnkey systems, has developed the proprietary Integrated Solar Array (ISA).
According to ASP, the ISA is designed to reduce the cost of balance-of-systems components and solar panels. It fully integrates the solar PV modules into the mounting structure, thereby eliminating the aluminum frame, grounding wire, clips, nuts and bolts.
By eliminating the aluminum frame, ASP has eliminated approximately $25 per panel, or $0.10/W, the company says. Without the frame, no grounding wire is needed. Further cost savings on clips, nuts and bolts are realized by integrating the panels into the mounting structure.