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Innovation In Optics
Offers Solar Simulator

Innovations in Optics Inc. has introduced its Model 2910A-300 multi-wavelength LED illuminator for testing photovoltaic devices. The company says the unit meets IEC 60904-9 Class AAA solar simulator requirements for spectral match, uniformity of irradiance and temporal stability.

The 2910A-300 achieves a spatially uniform illumination field by combining chip-on-board LED technology with non-imaging, homogenizing optics and a precision re-imaging lens system. The field of illumination is 5 x 5 cm at a working distance of 20 cm.

The 2910A-300 uses seven LED spectral bands to cover a spectral range of 400-1,100 nm. Total irradiance of 1.1 sun units in the spectral range is provided while operating electrically at 85 W.

Primary applications for the 2910A-300 are in terrestrial PV testing and research. The compact light source measures 10 cm long by 3 cm diameter and is suited for system integration. Multiple units can be combined for illuminating larger areas. System accessories include thermal management devices, wire harnesses and driver/controllers.

Innovations in Optics: innovationsinoptics.com

 

UC Irvine Develops
Anti-Glare Coatings

Chemists at the University of California - Irvine (UC Irvine) have developed light-absorbing, water-repellent coatings modeled on the pattern of moth eyeballs that could reduce sun glare from solar arrays.

“We found that a very simple process and a tiny bit of gold can turn a transparent film black,” says Robert Corn, a UC Irvine chemistry professor and leader of the research team that developed the coatings.

As reported in the journal Nano Letters, the UC Irvine team copied a pattern of nano-cones on Teflon films and coated them using a gold vapor deposition process. The researchers say this fabrication method can be used to create flexible thin films over large surface areas that could be incorporated into new applications that require wide-angle and broadband anti-reflective coatings, such as solar panels.

Sun glare is a key issue in the siting of solar arrays, particularly near airports. UC Irvine has filed a patent application for the work.

UC Irvine: chem.uci.edu

 

Ecoppia Deploys
No-Water Cleaning

Israel-based Ecoppia has deployed a water-free cleaning system at the 4.95 MW Ketura Sun solar park in Israel’s Negev desert, jointly owned by Siemens AG and Arava Power.

Ecoppia’s E4 cleaning robots use a microfiber and air flow cleaning system. The systems operate on frames that traverse the surface of the array. Each robot has its own solar panel for self-charging.

Following a pilot installation, the company says nearly 100 centrally controlled E4 robots currently clean the 18,500 Suntech panels in the array every night. Prior to the installation of the cleaning system, Ecoppia says the Ketura array was manually cleaned about nine times per year, with each process requiring five days.

Ecoppia: ecoppia.com

 

Midsummer Offers
Thin-Film R&D System

Sweden-based Midsummer has launched its UNO thin-film deposition research and development (R&D) platform.

Developed from the company’s copper indium gallium diselenide (CIGS) manufacturing equipment, the UNO system is intended for universities and research facilities. Midsummer says the system is appropriate for CIGS, as well as copper, zinc, tin and sulfide solar cell research.

The company says the UNO can have up to 13 sputtering cathodes and warm the substrate up to 750°C (1,400°F). It can load up to 300 substrates and run automatic test series, where each substrate has different parameter settings. It can also be supplemented with co-evaporation, analytical tools, a database and various options.

The UNO can use both glass and stainless-steel substrates and can be equipped with additional data measurement stations.

Midsummer: midsummer.se

 

Esdec Introduces
Flat-Roof Mounts

Netherlands-based Esdec BV has introduced its FlatFix Fusion solar photovoltaic mounting system for flat roofs.

The FlatFix Fusion mount clicks together to form an interconnected and solid structure. Esdec says the entire system including the solar modules can be installed with just one tool. The system can be built in a traditional south configuration or as an east-west or north-south configuration using the same components.

Esdec: clickfit.nl

 

Solar-Fabrik Offers
New Rooftop Modules

Solar-Fabrik AG has introduced its Premium XM monocrystalline and Premium XM polycrystalline 48 cell solar modules intended for rooftop photovoltaic arrays.

The premium XM mono is available in 205 W to 220 W. The Premium XM poly is available in 195 W to 210 W. The new modules are 135 x 100 cm and weigh about 15 kg.

Solar-Fabrik provides a 12-year product warranty and a 25-year performance warranty for its Premium XM modules.

Solar-Fabrik: solar-fabrik.de

 

Trina Solar Unveils New
Honey Ultra Module

Trina Solar Ltd. has developed a new high-efficiency Honey Ultra solar module.

The Honey Ultra module is composed of 60 156-mm x 156-mm monocrystalline silicon cells and marks the second generation of the technology. Trina says the module integrates its back-surface passivation technology and low-resistance connection technology.

The company says the new module reached an output of 326.3 W, as certified by TUV Rheinland.

Trina Solar: ir.trinasolar.com S