PES Solar 1 2021

ASK THE EXPERTS Headquartered in the suburbs of Shanghai, APsystems was originally founded in the Silicon Valley over 11 years ago by Dr Zhi Min Ling, current Chairman & CEO and Dr Yuhao Luo, CTO of the company. Today PES Solar reports back from an interview with Olivier Jacques, President, Global Executive VP of APsystems, who draws a portrait of the company revealing details of one of the major product innovations scheduled for launch this summer 2021, the 3rd generation of dual microinverters: the DS3. PES: Welcome back to PES Solar. Would you providing more safety on the roof, allowing like to give us a brief overview of flexibility in the layout of the installation, and APsystems? managing the installation remotely. PES: How do you explain your growth on Olivier Jacques: It has now been a decade the market? since we gradually established ourselves as OJ: Our profitable growth is based on the global benchmark in multi-module 4 main pillars: microinverters for the solar industry. Firstly, The first, the company’s DNA: innovation. in the USA and Australia, then in Europe for This makes it possible to offer products that over 5 years now and more recently in Latin meet all the market’s prerequisites, such as America, we have today become one of the the management of the power factor for major players and undisputed leaders in this better integration of solar power into market with more than 250 employees, electricity networks. 1 Gigawatt of equipment installed serving The second pillar is a very high level of quality customers in more than 120 countries. and reliability with a failure rate of less than 0.3% on the range and a product warranty of The company and its field of expertise could 10 or 20 years. be translated by one term: MLPE. Module The 3rd pillar is a clear and visible strategy for Level Power Electronics means the ability to all our customers and partners but also for all control power and monitor production at market players. module level. In this MLPE offer, one of the The 4th pillar, a vision, and a global flagship products is the microinverter which organization but dedicated teams by region is also the core business of the company. Olivier Jacques Today APsystems is setting the bar of the ever-growing solar MLPE segment with strong leadership. PES: What are the specificities of APsystems’ microinverters range? OJ: One of the main specificities of the APsystems microinverter range is that it is the most extensive on the market. We have products that will connect 4 single-phase panels for residential use, for example, with the QS1 having a maximum output of 1400W AC. Also, QUADs which will inject a native three-phase current for large industrial or agricultural roofs with the YC1000. Usually, our microinverters connect 2 to 4 modules. This brings several advantages for solar professionals, in particular huge economies in the acquisition of materials and labor costs but also in the speed of installation. It also offers the user all the advantages that Microinverter technology provides, namely, maximizing the production of the installation, WWW.PESSOLAR.COM 51

ASK THE EXPERTS Jayman Homes, 2,1 MW across 1,100 installations which allow us to bring a very close proximity DS3 main view to our customers and our partners and close support in terms of sales, marketing, technical support, and training. PES: Tell us more about your R&D? OJ: Research and Development at APsystems has always held a prominent place since its creation in 2010. It is one of the spearheads of both its development and its success. As proof, we are about to release a new generation of dual microinverters platform with unique characteristics on the market. It will be the 3rd generation of our dual microinverter series, with derivatives having power outputs ranging from 730W to 960W AC to adapt to any power module sizes. With 2 MPPTS, encrypted Zigbee signals, the DS3 (920W) and DS3-L (730W) benefit from an entirely new architecture, but remain compatible with our current single-phase multi-module microinverter range. We have added enhanced communication security leveraging Texas Instruments’ Zigbee module, a global benchmark in this field, onto which we are adding a cybersecurity tool called Karamba to make code programming completely inviolable and all PV production data processed by our customers fully secured. In terms of form factor design and microinverter materials utilized for the casing, we have also opted for an innovative, optimized, compact design combining cast aluminum on the front and rugged polymer on the back making the product lighter while maximizing its power. 52 PES SOLAR

MICROINVERTERS AND RAPID SHUTDOWN DEVICES FOR THE SOLAR PV INDUSTRY Global leader in multi-platform MLPE technology 130 120 OVER 130 PATENTS SERVING CUSTOMERS IN GRANTED MORE THAN 120 COUNTRIES 130 000 1 GW+ SOLAR SITES INSTALLED MICROINVERTERS WORLDWIDE INSTALLED AT SOLAR SITES AROUND THE WORLD www.apsystems.com

ASK THE EXPERTS DS3 back view All components are still encapsulated with facilitate its integration. This is a PES: So, how would you like to round off silicone to reduce stress on the electronic requirement, already in force in countries like our interview? components, facilitate thermal dissipation, Germany, US, Italy or Australia, which is enhance waterproof properties, and ensure gradually spreading all over the world. OJ: We apply a very selective policy in terms maximum reliability of the system via of suppliers and electronic components that rigorous testing methods including 20 000 With a performance and an efficiency of we use in the manufacture of our products. hours of accelerated life testing and many 97%, plus an entirely new design offering other procedures which are part of our ISO an unprecedented integration with 20% Our skills range from the design of the 9001 certification process. less components, the DS3 is very electronic circuit to the integration of web promising and will be able to connect 2 PV technologies and very advanced At this stage, we also needed to make our modules of 650w each. communications such as Zigbee for example. products interactive with power grids. A feature commonly referred to as RPC This product development is a good Our ambition at APsystems has always been (Reactive Power Control) or reactive power illustration of APsystems’ skills in innovation. to market very high-quality products and factor management, has been increasingly Coming from our 2 R&D centers, one based in also to democratize the products by making requested by utilities to better manage the heart of Silicon Valley, the other in the them accessible to as many people as photovoltaic power spikes in the grid and suburbs of Shanghai, nearly two-thirds of possible. APsystems’ workforce works in R&D. www.emea.APsystems.com Carrigton view: 600 kw across multiple buildings, powering 474 apartments 54 PES SOLAR



THINK TANK Checking coating systems for leak tightness 56 PES SOLAR

THINK TANK After installing a new system, or maintaining an existing one, leaks occur frequently. This is often due to joining errors, or forgotten defective seals. Correct handling of helium leak detectors is crucial for finding these leaks and controlling equipment for tightness. The more is known about the physical phenomena underlying the leak test as well as the optimization possibilities during testing, the easier it is to use helium leak detectors in practice. This also leads to more reliable measurement results. The following overview provides practical inevitably requires the use of an auxiliary information on the correct handling of pump. Instead of throttling a vacuum leak helium leak detectors and the successful detector, the Pfeiffer Vacuum ASM 340 leak implementation of leak tests on detector can be used to create a qualitative vacuum systems. massive leak detection mode, which helps to localize the present leak. What needs be considered when connecting the leak detector to a coating system? Process pump to support the leak detector Leaks that occur after start-up or Optimally, the leak detector should be maintenance of vacuum systems are often connected to the fore-vacuum line of a very large. However, commercially available vacuum system as shown in Figure 1 and 2. helium leak detectors can no longer be used To protect the leak detector, which is from a certain leak size on. Their maximum designed for use in clean environments, from working pressure is usually between about 6 severe thermal stress due to the and 25 mbar. If there are large leaks, this compression heat generated during pump pressure may not be reached during down, an additional process pump may also evacuation. Figure 1 shows a Si3N4 (silicon be used. It is insensitive to the thermal stress nitride) coating system. After maintenance, and also pumps off all outgassings, vapors only a pressure of 80 mbar is reached during and any stirred-up particles. evacuation. One way to reduce the inlet pressure of the leak detector used is to use a The use of an additional process pump can needle metering valve. increase the availability of the leak detector and significantly extend its maintenance However, this is accompanied by an intervals. This results in considerably extension of the response time and reduced operating costs. SiH4 N2 Screw Flange connection (KF25) (VCR ¼“) Process chamber; Screw only approx. 80 mbar is reached connection (VCR ¼“) with the first pumping down Process pump 5m Leak detector 6 m, DN100 6 x 1mm connection Figure 1: Integrating the helium leak detector in a coating system WWW.PESSOLAR.COM 57

THINK TANK Once the pressure has reached a Figure 2: Integrating different Pfeiffer Vacuum leak detectors (ASM 390, ASM 310, ASM 340) in the system correspondingly low level during the process of pumping down, the leak detector is able to On the one hand, the time constant of a As can be seen in Figure 5, the test leak was keep up the vacuum. The more powerful the vacuum system depends on the volume of the moved again as a result. This made it backing pump in the leak detector is system and, on the other hand, on the helium possible to separate the influence of the dimensioned, the more outgassings the leak pumping speed of the pumping system. mass flow controller and the gas supply line detector can still evacuate and the larger the between the MFC and the system. inner surfaces of the evacuated container Figure 3 shows the correlation for the time can be. constant, which applies to the time it takes to Conductivities and flow resistances reach 63 % of the maximum signal intensity. If a stable operating pressure in the working In addition, definitions are available for time The response time of the leak detector could pressure range of the leak detector is scales at 3τ at a signal level of 95 % or 5τ at a be shortened and the signal stabilized after a reached, the process pump is obsolete and signal intensity of 99 %. component, which limited high can be switched off, as now 100 % of the conductivities, had been removed. The flow tracer gas will reach the leak detector. In Gas supply systems resistance prevailing in the gas line resulted order to shorten the response time of the in the fact that it took four minutes to leak detector again significantly, a If the test leak is placed in the gas supply line, reproduce the leakage rate previously turbopump can be used between the the response time is extended by the flow measured without conductivity limitations. chamber and the leak detector. It acts like a resistance of the narrow gas line and other In a quantitative measurement, exactly the booster and shortens the response time of installation elements. This can be measured same signal intensities were measured in the the leak detector based on its additional with the help of the leak detector. case of the test leak that had been moved as pumping speed. with the test leak directly connected to the In our sample system shown in Figure 4, the process chamber (Figure 5). A test leak flanged onto the process chamber signal from the leak detector was makes the development of the leakage rate fluctuating and inconsistent. It did not Important aspects of leak testing mass signal traceable over time. In addition, it is also stabilize even after a long wait. This was due flow controllers possible to determine which parts of the to the control loops of the mass flow helium escaping from the test leak are controller, which regulated the system In order to be able to test the mass flow evacuated by the process pump and which are control independently of the leak detection. controller separately, the leak detector was detected by the leak detector – the so-called partial flow factor can be measured directly. Here, different flow conditions affect the gas dynamics due to different pressures, which in turn affects the partial flow ratio. For this reason, measurements should be made near the test pressure. Simply estimating the partial flow factor is not sufficient, since the process pump and leak detector have different pumping speeds and compression ratios in different pressure ranges. Time constant The time constant of a vacuum system is represented as follows: τ = Time constant until 63% of the maximum signal intensity [s] is reached Seff = E ffective pumping speed for the tracer gas[l/s] V = Volume of the specimen [l] 100 SiH4 N2 90 Signal [ % ] 80 70 60 Test leak Flange Process pump 50 1.3 .10 -8 Pa. m3. s-1 (KF25) 6 m, DN100 40 1.3 .10 -7 mbar.l.s-1 30 Signal response time Process chamber Time constant 63% 1800 sccm 20 Time constant 95% Screw Leak detector 10 connection connection 0 (VCR ¼“) Time [relative units] 5m Figure 3: Signal curve on the leak detector with permanent exposure of the leak to 6 x 1mm helium (idealized) Figure 4: Integrating the leak detector for testing gas supply system 58 PES SOLAR

THINK TANK SiH4 N2 SiH4 N2 Screw connection Flange Test leak Flange (VCR ¼“) (KF25) 1.3 .10 -8 Pa. m3. s-1 (KF25) 1.3 .10 -7 mbar.l.s-1 1800 sccm Process chamber Process chamber Test leak 1800 sccm 1.3 .10 -8 Pa. m3. s-1 Leak detector 1.3 .10 -7 mbar.l.s-1 connection Process pump 6 m, DN100 5m 5m Leak detector Process pump 6 x 1mm 6 x 1mm connection 6 m, DN100 Figure 5: Setup of a gas supply system without a component with high Figure 6: Integrating the leak detector in the system for a leak test of mass flow conductivity limiting controllers connected to the gas supply line directly Conductivity simulation behind the MFC. In this case, the response times were under one second. Here, the leak Inside diameter = 0.4 cm and length = 700 cm detector benefited from the change in the partial flow ratio between the leak detector Conductivity (l/s) 1 · 101 and the process pump: It was able to measure 100% of the gas flow discharged 1 · 100 from the test leak. The reason for this was the high flow resistance of the gas supply 1 · 10-1 line, whose internal diameter was only 4mm. In comparison, the line to the leak detector 1 · 10-2 was a DN 25 line. This process is shown in Figure 6. 1 · 10-3 1 · 10-4 1 · 10-3 1 · 10-2 1 · 10-1 1 · 100 1 · 101 1 · 102 1 · 103 1 · 10-5 Flow resistances of ultra-pure gas supplies Air 20 °C Pressure (mbar) In vacuum technology, flow resistances are He 20 °C also known as conductance. Figures 7 and 8 show conductivity simulations of gas supply Figure 7: Conductivity vs. pressure at a line diameter of 0.4cm and a line length of 700cm lines as a function of the tubing length with dimensions of 6x1mm, which are typical for Conductivity simulation these lines. The outer diameter is 6mm and the wall thickness is 1mm, which results in an Inside diameter = 0.4 cm and length = 2000 cm inner diameter of 4mm. Conductivity (l/s) 1 · 100 At high pressures, there is a laminar-viscous flow. There is a linear correlation between 1 · 10-1 the flow resistance and the mean pressure of the line. At pressure ratios below about 0.1 1 · 10-2 mbar, molecular flow is present. In this range, the flow resistance no longer depends on the 1 · 10-3 prevailing pressure conditions, but only on the geometry of the line. 1 · 10-4 1 · 10-4 1 · 10-3 1 · 10-2 1 · 10-1 1 · 100 1 · 101 1 · 102 1 · 103 1 · 10-5 Pressure (mbar) Transitional flow, also known as Knudsen flow, is present in the pressure range Air 20 °C between approximately 5 and 0.1 mbar. Gas He 20 °C specific effects may also occur in this range. In the molecular flow range, the conductivity Figure 8: Conductivity vs. pressure at a line diameter of 0.4cm. Line length 2,000cm for helium with a 20m long line is only 0.001 l/s. This results in a significant delay in the response time. In addition, the signal can be stretched in time. If the leak is not exposed to helium, for at least the same amount of time as the system is in the tested range, the signal, even at its maximum indicated intensity, will give a much smaller value than the actual size of the leak. WWW.PESSOLAR.COM 59

THINK TANK 1 · 10-4 Chamber and gas pipe without flushing gas 1 · 10-4 Chamber and gas pipe with flushing gasN2 5.0 1 · 10-5 1 · 10-5 1 · 10-6 Helium leakage rate chamber 1 · 10-6 Helium leakage rate chamber Helium leakage rate gas line 7 m Helium leakage rate gas line 7 m Helium leakage rate gas line 20 m Helium leakage rate gas line 20 m Leakage rate (mbar l/s) Leakage rate (mbar l/s) 1 · 10-7 1 · 10-7 1 · 10-8 1 · 10-8 1 · 10-9 1 · 10-9 1 · 10-10 1 · 10-10 1 · 10-11 200 400 600 800 1000 1200 1400 1600 1800 2000 1 · 10-11 200 400 600 800 1000 1200 1400 1600 1800 2000 0 Time (s) 0 Time (s) Figure 9: 1.5l chamber and gas line without carrier gas Figure 10: Chamber and gas pipe with carrier gas N2, purity 5.0 Leak detection with and without tracer gas half an hour of pumping down time. ISO 20485: Non-destructive testing - leak on components that are limited in Therefore, the nominal value of the test leak testing - test gas methods: ISO 20485:2017; conductivity is not achieved. German version EN ISO 20485:2018. Figures 9 and 10 show the time behavior The example in Figure 10 shows the behavior Performing sniffing leak detection on gas during a leak test of gas supply lines 6 x 1mm in an identical experimental setup, if the lines supply lines with a length of 7m and 20m. In Figure 9, the are not evacuated, but the almost helium blue curve represents the example of an free gas nitrogen 5.0 flows. The most One of the most important requirements for evacuated chamber with a volume of 1.5l, to sensitive measuring range should be leak testing is measurement under real which, after reaching a specified background achieved on the leak detector with conditions: The pressure to which the test signal, a test leak with a reservoir with a simultaneous maximum test pressure. object is subjected during the test must leakage rate Q=1·10-7 mbar·l/s, has been correspond to that in actual use. Here, the flanged and opened. Here, minimum detection limits should be gas lines are under overpressure. Vacuum combined with the best possible flow testing is the only test procedure that The sudden release of helium, which has dynamics, i.e. the shortest possible response achieves the mostly required sensitivity for accumulated between the permeation time. The pressure threshold for reaching ultra-pure media supplies in the range of element of the test leak and the shut-off the most sensitive measuring range is device 1·10-9 mbar·l/s to 1·10-10 mbar·l/s. The sniffing valve, causes a short overshoot. However, specific and is at 0,5 mbar for the ASM 340 test that corresponds to the correct the display of the nominal test leak value leak detector used. Accordingly, the gas flow pressure direction is shown in Figure 11. then stabilizes quickly. After closing the test rate is selected: the in-let pressure is about leak, the signal also subsides quickly. 12 mbar at the inlet of the line. If a carrier gas Pumping down and pressure change flushing is used for leak detection, the response and influence the signal recovery behavior The green curve shows the response decay times are much shorter. However, this behavior of a modified body. A 7m long gas is accompanied by a loss of intensity of about The signal recovery behavior in a process supply line (6 x 1mm) is now looped in a decade. chamber with 700l volume is shown in Figure between the container described above and 12. Here, the decay of the helium signal is the leak detector. The flow resistance of the To accurately determine the response time displayed within four minutes of detecting a line leads to a significant extension of the and partial flow factor, such measurements leak and then pumping it down. In the settling behavior and decay time of a test must be calibrated using test leaks. Test four-minute period, only 50% of the signal will leak with a leak rate Q of 5 - 10-6 mbar-l/s leaks without a reservoir or test leaks be lost. However, a signal degradation of (5 - 10-7 Pa m3/s). specially designed for installation in gas several decades is achieved when three supply lines are best suited for this purpose. pressure change flushes are carried out, i.e. if The red curve shows the response time with after a short evacuation to a pressure in the a gas supply line of 20m (6 x 1mm). Here, with The use of carrier gas methods has now also mbar range, it is ventilated to a pressure of the same test setup, the helium is not found its way into international several hundred mbar and then pumped again. completely evacuated even after more than standardization and is described in DIN EN Figure 11: Sniffing the gas supply lines Figure 12: Signal recovery behavior of the leak detector in main flow operation 60 PES SOLAR

THINK TANK To prevent the system from being Figure 13: Pfeiffer Vacuum Classic coating system accidentally ventilated by the leak detector, the automatic ventilation function of the leak detector must be switched off by the end of a test cycle. It is also recommended to use gases with very low helium content for ventilation. This ensures an effective helium decomposition during the test process and a low signal background. If the gas also has a low residual moisture content, these purging processes also have a positive effect on covering the chamber walls with moisture, thus shortening the pump-down time during repeated evacuation. What to do in the case of an intense signal? If the helium leak detector shows a strong signal, it should be noted that regeneration takes place more quickly at a higher pumping speed. In addition, it is possible that the decay behavior of the leak detector may take a long time after detecting a high leak rate. High leak rates are referred to as values of > 1·10-4 mbar l/s (1·10-5 Pa m3/s). The leak detector can be protected against the entry of large quantities of helium by setting a limit value in form of a maximum value for the detection of leak rates. If a very intensive signal is detected, the leak detector aborts the test. This can considerably reduce the time required for pumping out during the next test. It should be noted here that the leak detector vent valve must be set ‘Off’, otherwise the chamber will be ventilated through the leak detector. The volume of the test object connected to the leak detector has a significant effect on the recovery behavior of the signal. This recovery time of the leak detector as well as that of the entire system can be shortened by carrying out so called pressure change flushing with a helium-free gas. The maximum inlet pressure permitted for the leak detector must be taken into account. Alternatively, an overpressure safety valve may be used. In addition, the vent valve must be set to ‘Off’. Leak detector He-Pumping Line He-Leckage Partial flow Dependence of the leakage rates on the speed [l/s] DN 25 rate [mbar.l/s] ratio type of leak detector used ASM 310 1,0 4,4 · 10-09 1:30 Of course, the size of a leak and thus the leakage rate does not depend on the leak ASM 340 2,5 DN 25 1,2 · 10-08 1:11 detector used. However, the pumping speed of the used leak detector in relation to the ASM 390 10,0 DN 40 Not measured pumping speed of a pump operated in parallel influences the displayed value of the ASM 392 25,0 DN 40 Not measured leakage rate via the partial flow ratio. The overview in Table 1 shows the influence of Table 1: Dependence of the measured leakage rate on partial flow ratio, helium pumping speed and line partial flow ratio, helium pumping speed and cross-section line cross-section on the leak rate measured. The following configuration of the system is assumed: - Chamber volume: 700l - P rocess pump: Dry pump with a pumping speed of 1800 m3/h WWW.PESSOLAR.COM 61

THINK TANK ASM 310, ASM 340, ASM 390 - Size of the test leak: 1.3 · 10-8 Pa m3/s QT = Gas flow to the auxiliary pump out the system are suitable for this purpose. (1.3 · 10-7 mbar·l/s) [mbar · l/s] It is also important that leaks can be clearly - Measurement is carried out in partial flow From the observations made, there are identified. For this purpose, an outlet consequences for practical application: The pressure adapted to the particular - Length of the corrugated tube: 1m response times of the leak detector are very application is necessary, in which the residual short with values under one second. The partial helium content and so also the background If objects with a large volume are to be flow ratio and the reproducibility improve as leakage rate are significantly below the checked for leaks, or there are large leaks or the helium pumping speed increases. leakage rates to be detected. high desorption rates are to be expected when testing large surfaces, the combined These two factors can be further improved by In addition, for trouble free and reliable use of the leak detector with an auxiliary expanding the cross-section of the measurements, auxiliary pumps should be pump is recommended. When used in partial corrugated tube as a connection between the used and all measurements should be flow operation, only a small portion of the leak detector and the test object from 25mm recorded by means of internal or external tracer gas that has entered through the leak to 40mm. This is particularly important for storage media. Plus, it is recommended not reaches the leak detector. high performance leak detectors, whose high to move the leak detector directly after a helium suction capacity cannot otherwise be measurement and to observe the tracking This means: used effectively. As a rule of thumb for the indicator of the device. In coating systems, connection between the system and the leak leak detection should be carried out in SL QL detector, the cross-section of the inlet flange partial flow. y = = of the leak detector should not be smaller than the cross-section of the leak detector. Leak testing on a process chamber should be SL + ST QL + QT carried out from the test connection on the Avoiding mistakes when handling the leak gas panel. At the auxiliary pump near the final y = Partial flow ratio detector vacuum, leakages can be measured using the backflowing tracer gas, i.e. even if the leak is (Proportion of the gas reaching the leak Operating errors or incorrect handling of the upstream of the leak detector connection. If detector) SL = He pumping speed of leak leak detector may result in falsified a gas panel test is planned, measurements detector [l/s] measurement results or incorrect must be carried out at partial flow directly on measurements. Therefore, it is important to the gas panel. ST = H e pumping speed of auxiliary pump [l/s] clean the chamber from outgassing as much as possible before the leak test begins. www.pfeiffer-vacuum.com QL = G as flow to the leak detector Pressure change flushes with inert, dry gases [mbar · l/s] and, under certain circumstances, also baking 62 PES SOLAR

Not all wind mitigation strategies are created equal. Join FTC Solar, RWDI, and EPS as they discuss the different wind-related problems that can occur with single-axis PV trackers and how FTC Solar has developed a unique solution to minimize those risks in our upcoming webinar - June 29th at 11am EST ftcsolar.com/windwebinar

TALKING POINT Creating added value through professional PV system monitoring for O&M When service providers assume responsibility for the investments of others, they’re certainly aware that they’re taking on a great deal of responsibility for the success. That’s why they carefully select the components and systems in order to not only achieve the desired result for the investors, but also create a cost-covering corporate structure in the long term that will enable them to continue growing. This is especially true when selecting a monitoring system or monitoring service. 64 PES SOLAR

TALKING POINT No one monitors more PV systems Fig.1: Remote configuration screen After logging in, operators can see all the PV worldwide than Solar-Log™, and no one has plants under their care at a glance. For a more experience than the inventor of overview of all the plants in their portfolio better overview, each plant can be provided professional PV monitoring. Project planning without having to constantly call them up. with an individual picture. Individual views of in the monitoring and grid connection field The operations manager gains a general one or more PV plants can be displayed with are just as integral to the Solar-Log™ service overview via the fleet overview with its the pinboard. Daily and historical system portfolio as direct marketing packages. status bar for the respective fleet and the data as well as connected components (e.g. Solar-Log™ customers benefit from the error ticker. This displays newly detected heat pumps or heating rods) are therefore experience garnered from more than error messages in the plants according to the clearly depicted. 330,000 monitoring systems installed error type. The operations manager can then worldwide. The advantages are obvious: go directly into the analysis to quickly get to Users are always kept up to date via the News relieving time pressure, securing returns and the heart of the problem. Center, with current status messages about avoiding costly errors right from the initial their PV plant sent directly to them. The design phase. Plant data always accessible on the go weather yield forecast can be used to depict the expected electricity production, taking Online monitoring with Solar-Log WEB Apps, of course, provide an indispensable into account the weather data. Enerest™ 4 part of modern and flexible plant monitoring, providing you with all the PV plant data at Modular-based hardware The Solar-Log WEB Enerest™ 4 online your fingertips at all times and informing you platform enables operators and service directly should there be problems. Coupled The modular hardware for Solar-Log™ saves providers worldwide to monitor their plants to the Solar-Log WEB Enerest™ Portal, our costs. The modular system means you only professionally and efficiently. Errors are app offers many monitoring options, recognised immediately and can be analysed interactive graphics and very easy handling. in a targeted manner. If adjustments are necessary in the device settings for the plant monitoring, or in the device communication for the grid connection, these can be rectified remotely. This often avoids costly trips to the site and also saves considerable time. These possibilities also considerably expand the scope for providing operational management services. The monitoring can be depicted graphically according to each user’s individual requirements, so that the relevant data can always be grasped at a glance. The newly implemented Pinboard and Slideshow features display all relevant information for the technical operations manager on one screen. The link with the Slideshow feature ensures that the values from all preselected plants are displayed in the same view on a rolling basis. Plant managers therefore have a continuous Fig.2: Fleet view and analysis graphic WWW.PESSOLAR.COM 65

TALKING POINT have to pay for what you actually need. The operational management field have already There are many PV monitoring providers. basic system can easily be expanded if recognised this and are focusing on As is so often the case, it’s also worth taking further requirements, such as direct customer-oriented services. Solar-Log™ a closer look here at the actual details marketing, need to be added in future. For offers an area here that expands this service hidden behind the performance promises. this purpose, additional hardware modules for its customers. Very important in this context: Protecting for further interfaces and licences are user data! available to expand the range of features. Offering this service necessitates a certain Retain long-term customer loyalty with initial investment, which also involves a risk. When it comes to data security, there are monitoring as a service This is where the Solar-Log™ WEB-4U major differences between the individual Professional monitoring as a service can also service comes in. The Solar-Log™ WEB-4U monitoring providers. Solar-Log™ attaches foster customer loyalty. This shouldn’t be team combines expertise and a rapid maximum importance to securing customer underestimated. Especially in the >30kWp response. For plant operators this provides data and also regularly obtains advice from plant segment, PV systems are often further certainty that any failures are detected external experts in this area. Upon request, expanded once they have been installed or promptly and faults are quickly rectified. users will receive a complete evaluation of are integrated more deeply into the the data stored with Solar-Log WEB property’s energy management system as This creates security and frees up service Enerest™ 4. Communication between the part of further renovations or new providers for other tasks. The service data logger, online platform and respective construction measures. This creates providers nevertheless always remain the end devices must be strongly encrypted. attractive potential over time. Many first point of contact for their customers for This is achieved using encrypted protocols or installers and service providers in the the technical operational management. a dedicated VPN communication. A VPN here is an end-to-end corridor that no other user Fig. 3: WEB 4U monitoring service Data security is a top priority for can see into. all components. Rely on the professional With the experience garnered from 330,000 data loggers installed worldwide, PV monitoring pioneer Solar-Log™ offers a professional and open-system monitoring and energy management system that features intuitive handling and clear presentation. It is compatible with components from more than 130 manufacturers. Just in terms of inverters, more than 2300 models can currently be integrated. This ensures that users are prepared for all current and future challenges, and can offer their customers a solution that supports them in achieving their goals and monitors their investment. With a global network of service partners, we offer on-site assistance for every country should problems occur or during the design phase. This protects the plant operator’s schedule and financial budget, and ensures a sustainable return on investment. www.solar-log.com 66 PES SOLAR

nWehxatt?’s We do not all have the same needs. Providing stable power where there is nothing contributes to the development of a community. Playing a role in an increasingly connected world by creating simple solutions to complex problems. Our new generation of smart inverter-chargers brings the battery-based systems to the next level. Check out what the new next series can do for you at studerlive.ch and take an appointment with our specialists. swiss made power

TALKING POINT Preventive maintenance on solar power plants There are 4 common types of maintenance: corrective maintenance, preventive maintenance, risk-based maintenance and condition-based maintenance. The solar panel cleaning robot from SolarCleano is one of the key elements of predictive maintenance for solar power plants. 68 PES SOLAR

TALKING POINT What is preventive maintenance? increases the availability and operational of the panel’s fixations and the good general output of equipment and machinery.1 state of the solar panels. Solar panel Preventive Maintenance, also referred to as manufacturers give specifications as to how to PM, is a proactive maintenance strategy that Specifically, solar panel preventive inspect a solar installation, and large-scale involves regular and routine maintenance of maintenance focuses on testing regularly power plants dedicate team to these equipment to reduce the likelihood of failure electrical connections, controlling the status inspections so as not to run any risk of failure. If leading to unplanned downtime. Through any of these test yield issues or raise concern, scheduled cleaning, repairs, adjustments, and 1 h ttps://comparesoft.com/cmms-software/preven- corrective measures will be undertaken. part replacements, a preventive approach tive-maintenance/ What are the risks of not using preventive maintenance on solar power plants? For many years, it was commonly believed that solar panels do not need any cleaning. Their natural inclination and precipitations would result in an automatic cleaning. Measurements however show that the energy output of solar panels reduces drastically when they are left uncleaned. This is particularly visible in dusty, arid and windy areas, as the wind blows sand on the panels. However, even in milder conditions, with rainy weather and an inclination that helps water to flow downwards, it is noticeable that dried dirt remains on the panels. Moreover, it tends to become engrained dirt and stay on the panels for a longer amount of time. While shade on the panels temporarily diminishes their production, dirt will keep production down permanently. On any size plant, the accumulated dirt on the panels within a year, can lead to a productivity decrease anywhere from 1.5% to 30%. In some desertic areas, even higher productivity decreases were noted. Without routine maintenance, the probability increases for a larger issue to arise, which could substantially impact the overall production or the safety of the system.2 Cleaning as an essential part of preventive maintenance As outlined in the opening paragraph, regular maintenance is essential to ensure the good functioning of a machine or, in this specific case, a whole solar plant. By cleaning solar panels regularly, you will permanently reduce dirt accumulating. Aside from the fact that this will give solar panels full energy generating potency again, it is also useful for preventing the creation of hotspots. Hotspots result from sticky dirt (e.g. bird droppings) heating up the surrounding areas as a consequence to being exposed to the sun. Indeed, dirt usually being a darker shade than the actual solar panels, it concentrates more solar energy on one specific spot, hence more heating. Hotspots interrupt the flow of energy production, decreasing the capacities of the cells that are covered as well as all the neighboring cells. These hotspots can damage electric components of the panel and can lead to microcracks putting the entire panel in jeopardy. Indeed, microcracks represent a safety issue that can only be handled by replacing the entire 2 https://solect.com/preventative-maintenance/ WWW.PESSOLAR.COM 69

TALKING POINT SolarCleano camera dusk panel. It is costly in financial terms as well as brush types for cleaning installations with safety. For longer cleaning times, in terms of time.3 differing types of dirt by a simple switch of SolarCleano developed a night cleaning set brush and intuitive cable reconnection. From of LEDs and camera. With this, the operator Regular cleaning is therefore an essential the blue brush, efficient against sand and can keep cleaning in the dark while always part of the maintenance schedule ensuring a recommended for dry cleaning, to the red knowing where their robot is currently active. well-performing, environmentally friendly brush, favored for floating installations as it And for sloped installations with inclinations power plant with little downtime. Even clears bird droplets within one passage, over 25°, the safety glider is a lifeline destined without the creation of hotspots or the SolarCleano brushes cover all types of to keep the robot efficient in all conditions. appearance of microcracks, cleaning has fouling of solar panels. Flexible, it can be used shown to increase the lifetime of solar for rooftops, as well as for ground-mounted The SolarCleano robots do not require panels, keeping their efficiency in the long installations. Given the variety of access to a power supply. Given the growing term and preventing reaction to the soiling it installations and the vast diversity in their sizes of solar panel installations around the is exposed to. landscapes and meteorological conditions, it world and the preference for isolated is a 100% unique solution for the solar locations (in the desert, on high roofs that Preventive maintenance while cleaning market as it exists today. are difficult to reach or as floating ensembles away from shore), this capacity of working SolarCleano semi-automatic robots The modularity of the robots is a multiple without an electricity supply cable is an currently exist in 2 designs: an F1 one: dismountable in 5 parts, each of them obvious advantage. For these numerous SolarCleano robot and an M1 SolarCleano can be carried easily by a person, so that large installations, the F1 can be fitted with robot. Both can be used with brush types of reaching solar panels on roofs does not extra-large brushes, speeding up the blue, yellow, green and red. Both are require any specific access equipment. Last cleaning process. dismountable and remote-controlled. They but not least, SolarCleano robots can be can be used for cleaning with water or for dry fitted with accessories that make them The development of new cleaning machines cleaning, should water not be easily available, usable with all solar panel installations. For is progressing fast at SolarCleano for more with an average cleaning capacity of instance, for installations that would require efficient preventive maintenance: new, solar 1500sqm/h, for SolarCleano F1. human presence at heights and therefore at installation-oriented and disruptive a risk of falling, it is possible to install a machines will become available this year! The modular robots can be fitted with several camera on top of the robot, which enables the operator to steer it from the ground, in www.solarcleano.com 3 h ttps://www.thehartford.com/resources/energy/ solar-energy-risks 70 PES SOLAR

ENSURE PREVENTIVE F1 MAINTENANCE WITH SOLARCLEANO ROBOTS M1 T1 SolarCleano M1, F1 New Products and transporter T1 Coming in 2021! · Fastest on the market 1000sqm/h. · Adapt to all panel installations. Request a demo at · Efficient cleaning in just one passage. [email protected] · Lightweight, battery-powered, SolarCleano s.à.r.l remote-controlled and fully modular. 43-45 ZA OP Zaemer · Multiple accessories for all 4959 Bascharage, Luxembourg T: +352 28 80 69 configurations. www.solarcleano.com 1 person - 1 robot - 1 day - 1 MW Follow us Solarcleano



Reduce Costs Reduce CO2 Footprint Improve Sustainability

THINK TANK Argon recycle delivers improved cost-base, irnecdruecaesdedCOsu2 fsotaoitnparbiniltitaynd 74 PES SOLAR

THINK TANK High purity argon, better than 99.9998%, is used as a shield gas in the production of silicon ingots, to be fabricated into wafers, for solar cells and micro-electronic devices. The argon is used to control the gaseous impurity levels present during the manufacturing process to an acceptable level. In response to the trend in the solar industry for yet higher efficiency solar panels, the argon purge gas flows used in the CZ ingot pullers have increased by up to 100% in the last 5-10 years, with current purge flows in the 80-100 l/min range, higher purge gas flows translate directly into silicon wafers with fewer defects and improved carrier lifetimes resulting in solar cells with improved efficiency. WWW.PESSOLAR.COM 75

THINK TANK CZ furnace hall upwards of 12 million litres of high purity Use and can connect to multiple vacuum argon gas per day. In order to recycle the furnaces, subject to a maximum recycle flow The supply of high purity argon is primarily a argon, it first needs to be recovered from the limit of approximately 20 to 25 m3/hr for each by-product of the air separation process exhaust lines of the vacuum pumps ArgonØ™ system, this typically results in generating oxygen used in steel making. This associated with the individual furnaces, then 4 CZ pullers being connected to one means, at best, the supply of high purity argon purified and returned to the argon furnace ArgonØ system. is essentially fixed and at worst in shortening purge supply line i.e. closed loop recycling. supply as air separation units are moth-balled Gas Recovery and Recycle Limited (GR2L) The exhaust gas from a CZ puller furnace is in line with reducing steel manufacturing has designed the ArgonØ™ to recover, purify typically contaminated with predominantly capacity. The laws of ‘supply and demand’ and recycle exhaust purge gas from both carbon monoxide and hydrogen in the 300 to dictate that the argon price will increase. This CZ and DS vacuum furnaces. 3,000ppm range along with lower levels of is precisely what is being seen in the market, GR2L is the global leader in point of use argon moisture and carbon dioxide although levels with argon prices increasing by as much as recycle with more than 75 systems installed up to 6,000ppm of these contaminants can 50% in the last couple of years in some worldwide which are continuously recycling be seen during the recharge process. These territories even during the Covid-19 pandemic. over 360,000 m3/day of argon and saving its gases primarily originate from reactions of customers millions of USD per year. The moisture and silicon monoxide with process There is also a growing requirement for all ArgonØ™ system achieves gas recycle rates chamber components such as the heaters elements of the Solar PV supply chain to of better than 95%, at purities exceeding the and insulation. reduce their carbon footprint with some industry expectations. The system is Point of geographies and energy companies, for The ArgonØ system purifies the example in Europe, moving to only approving Argon0 system contaminated exhaust gas recovered from panels for sale and installation with a low the vacuum pump through a two-step manufactured carbon footprint. After the process. In the first step the carbon electricity used to directly heat the CZ ingot monoxide and hydrogen are combusted in a pulling furnaces the carbon footprint solid-state combustion reactor to carbon associated with the purchase of high purity dioxide and water respectively. liquid argon, for the inert purge gas, contains one of the highest CO2 equivalent footprints. The process utilises a unique patented chemical looping combustive purification For manufacturers faced with this ‘triple technology where no gas phase oxygen is whammy’ of increasing argon usage, rising used, guaranteeing the recycled gas is oxygen argon prices and having to reduce their CO2 free. In the second step, the carbon dioxide footprint, investing in the Gas Recovery and and water are removed by adsorption onto a Recycle Limited ArgonØ™ argon recycling zeolite based material resulting in a high purity systems, which can reduce the facility argon exit gas to be directed back to the process. usage by at least 95%, is a highly attractive proposition! Ultra-High purity wafers for use The system includes a gas sensor for the in micro-electronic chip applications continuous monitoring of the purity of the typically utilise 30 to 50% more argon as for recycled gas stream. The sensor detects for the solar PV application but with purities in both oxygen and combustible gases and if the 99.999999% level, so argon recycle is out of specification gas is detected the even more attractive in this sector. system will respond in <5 seconds to switch the purge gas feedback to house argon and The ArgonØ point of use recycle system protect the process. A typical silicon furnace hall will have up to The ArgonØ™ system combines two pairs of 100+ silicon ingot furnaces consuming reactor/adsorber vessels. One pair online and the other being regenerated and in standby allowing 24/7 argon recycling. No 76 PES SOLAR

THINK TANK PC workstation secure data publisher, where it reports the key CO2 footprint reduction system data on a continuous basis using Aveva Liquifying air and separating out the 1% other gases or chemicals are needed for the Insight. The Cloud based Insight software argon it contains is a very energy intensive regeneration of the reactor vessels other allows long term performance monitoring of process and results in a bought in carbon than compressed air. With few moving parts the ArgonØs; average recycle rates, system footprint of up to 5Kg CO2 equivalent per 1m3 the system has an uptime of 99.9% and is regeneration frequency, key system of argon gas. A typical production cell of 4 CZ designed such that most routine service and temperatures and pressures are all monitored pullers will have an equivalent CO2 footprint maintenance can be conducted with no and can be used to trigger email alerts to both of about 130 tonnes of carbon dioxide a year, interruption to system operation. the customer and GR2L engineers if the data which is similar to the emissions from an trend indicates an impending problem. average household car driving just over a While the ArgonØ™ has an inherent recycle million miles. By recycling the argon purge rate better than 98% the operational factory The Aveva Insight data can be collected into a gas, the ArgonØ recycle system reduces recycle rate is slightly less due to argon dashboard view specific for each customer these emissions by over 90%, a reduction of losses from the process such as during who can log into The Cloud based application at least 30 tonnes of CO2 equivalent per year recharge or the opening and reloading of and view and download the performance for every CZ puller in the facility. furnaces, when argon escapes into the reports as they choose. Within the 12 month In summary the GR2L ArgonØ gives wafer atmosphere rather than being delivered to warranty period all this remote system manufacturers the opportunity of reducing the ArgonØ™ for recycling. monitoring is free of charge, outside the their Ar consumption by up to 95% without warranty period there is a small service impacting quality and simultaneously In one location in Asia, ArgonØ™ systems are charge for customers to continue to receive reducing their carbon footprint. Depending connected to 60 CZ pullers and have been this valuable information. on the local argon price, an ArgonØ system operating for >18 months without any can pay for itself in less than 18 to 24 months. unscheduled downtime and were retrofitted About GR2L The ArgonØ can be retrofitted to existing into the facility with minimal disruption to the facilities with minimum interruption to production schedules. These ArgonØ™ GR2L was founded by Dr Rob Grant FRSC production schedules, as well as be systems have reduced the facilities argon with the objective of commercialising incorporated into new facilities in phase with spend by 94 to 96% giving savings in the chemical looping combustion technology the vacuum furnace installations. order of millions of USD each year. into the gas purification market. This was jointly developed with Cambridge www.GR2L.co.uk Control and monitoring University. GR2L is a cleantech company specialising in the recovery, purification Rob Grant The ArgonØ™ is controlled by a PLC that takes and recycling of purge gases used in the input/output from all the system transducers photovoltaic, microelectronics and the Bio and valves. It controls the gas flow through the material processing industry sectors. Dr Rob Grant is the founder and CEO of various ArgonØ™ reactors and automatically Gas Recovery and Recycle Limited. He has regenerates them based on the amount of gas GR2L’s mission is to improve process a master’s degree and PhD from that has been recycled. In addition, the PLC has profitability while reducing CO2 footprint Cambridge University, UK, and is a fellow control links to the CZ pullers to open and close and increasing sustainability. The of the Royal Society of Chemistry. In 2008 the valves that recover the exhaust gas from company has received numerous awards Rob set up Gas Recovery and Recycle the various puller vacuum pumps and feed it and grants for its innovate gas Limited to exploit ideas he had for a new into the main purifier unit. processing technology. gas purification system, based on chemical looping combustion with These can be discrete hardwired signals GR2L entered into partnership with the UK collaborators at Cambridge University. from the puller or via an ethernet Gas Technologies group in 2010 to bring Rob was previously Head of Technology at connection between the ArgonØ ™ PLC and their flagship product ArgonØ™ to market. Edwards Vacuum, where he was the puller PLC. The ArgonØ™ PLCs are responsible for the company’s systems networked together and linked to a central The UK Gas Technologies Group has a engineering and PV business areas SCADA PC system, where all the system track record in high purity gas installations pioneering the introduction of many new parameters are monitored and recycle rates in the semiconductor and medical vacuum and gas processing technologies. reported at both the induvial ArgonØ™ level markets and is synergistic with GR2L. Rob can be contacted at: and also site wide level. [email protected] For more information please send an The SCADA PC is linked to the Internet email to: [email protected] providing GR2L engineers the ability to remotely support the ArgonØ™ systems throughout the warranty period. In addition, the SCADA PC is linked to The Cloud, through a WWW.PESSOLAR.COM 77

PES ESSENTIAL Words: L ili Francklyn Tracker company embraces large-format modules with their new single-axis tracker FTC Solar has been preparing for over a year for the arrival of their next generation solar modules. These preparations are now paying off with the release of the new Voyager+ solar tracker, a robustly engineered, single-axis, two-in-portrait configuration that optimizes energy yields and takes full advantage of the larger, more powerful modules. One array built with large- format modules is already going into the ground as our teams work to deliver what will be among the first utility-scale projects in the U.S. utilizing the new 78 PES SOLAR

PES ESSENTIAL ‘We are honored to be part of these incredible entering the marketplace now, 600+ watt developers. Next generation modules also projects,’ said Tony Etnyre, FTC Solar CEO. modules should be available later this year. enable greater efficiencies in construction, ‘We’re pleased that we can now support these which can lead to reduced labor costs. exciting next generation modules with our The advantages of large-format modules innovative, two-in-portrait tracker systems. LFMs generating upwards of 500 watts per This, along with the industry-leading The key attraction of super-size modules is a module produce more power per panel, or installation speeds of the Voyager tracker significant increase in power, which 14% more power per unit area of land allows our customers to realize significant translates into potential improvements in according to FTC Solar Chief Technology value in their solar projects.’ return on investment (ROI) for solar Officer Nagendra Cherukupalli. In addition to What is driving the adoption of large- format modules? Solar manufacturing is entering into a new era with the introduction of high-power, high-performance modules. Likely to be integrated in the utility-scale market first, large-format modules (LFM) are a result of the drive to produce bigger silicon wafers. Large wafers expose more area to the sun and as the larger cells trap more light, that translates to a direct increase in the power of the module. Solar manufacturers are in the process of replacing the current architecture of 72 cells per module at 156/166mm and introducing larger wafer sizes at 182mm and 210mm. In addition, they are slicing, dicing, shredding, and configuring new cell architectures to boost power output. One important result is bigger modules are evolving to house the larger wafers. While 500+ watt modules are WWW.PESSOLAR.COM 79

PES ESSENTIAL more efficient land use, they hold the that allowed an entire ecosystem of racking, The result is a transitional BOS ecosystem promise of reduced racking, electrical DC collection systems, inverters, and other that will be in flux until those standards can infrastructure, and other balance of system components to evolve to support be agreed upon. (BOS) components. FTC Solar’s new standardized dimensions. Voyager+ tracker, with its two-in-portrait Developing tracking infrastructure to architecture and unique installation The change to LFM architecture will drive a accommodate large-format modules efficiencies, greatly improves the land use revamp of this BOS ecosystem. The equation and delivers construction large-format module architectures that are FTC Solar is eager to meet the challenge of advantages for solar developers. proposed currently encompass a wide range large-format modules – which company of sizes: 2.5 – 3.1 m2, open circuit voltages: crews affectionately call ‘the elephants’- and Large-format modules lead to greater 40 – 50 Voc, and wattages: 500W – 800W, all has developed the new Voyager+ tracker to efficiencies in labor use simply because there of which may vary as module manufacturers handle the increased wind loads and other are fewer modules to install per equivalent compete fiercely to define new standards. engineering challenges. MW capacity. Although they are bigger and heavier, LFMs require less manpower per MW to install then standard solar panels. That too leads to additional investment gains. According to a recent report on high-power, high-performance modules by Wood Makenzie, savings on labor and land can significantly reduce non-hardware costs in LFM installations. In the year 2020, fully 80% of utility-scale solar CAPEX in solar costs depended on the number of modules in a project and their power class, according to the report. Raising the power class, as large- format modules do, lowers the number of modules and the capital costs accordingly. Ultimately, the result is a lower levelized cost of energy (LCOE) and more profitable returns. With the introduction of these LFM modules the solar industry is moving beyond a decade-long period of standardization. While module sizes remained relatively consistent, 80 PES SOLAR

PES ESSENTIAL Project stakeholders can rest assured the resisting the wind loads. design, ease of construction and industry- large-format modules will be as easy and leading installation times. efficient to install as standard modules, and Finally, dampers, like the shock absorbers of that they will benefit from the predicted a car, minimize potentially damaging Voyager+ is supported by a sophisticated reduction in labor costs. When utilizing FTC torsional movement– and, as its name communications and control platform which Solar’s superior and proprietary construction suggests, dampens, and absorbs these allows remote control of the tracker by techniques, we have calculated Voyager+ can forces created by the wind. FTC utilizes more authorized personnel. This facilitates reduce balance of system (BOS) costs and dampening power than other tracker distribution of updated software, testing, improve return on investment overall, systems to stabilize and protect the PV plant trouble shooting and monitoring of the compared to projects built with standard from damage. performance of the array. module sizes. FTC Solar’s CTO Cherukupalli says, ‘We believe that the improved power Wind tunnel testing results have verified the FTC Solar’s Voyager+ single-axis tracker density and labor efficiencies associated with suitability of the Voyager+ configuration and systems provide an optimized yet flexible large-format modules will bring important the ability of the components to withstand design architecture to accommodate benefits to our customers.’ the greater loads generated from the large-format modules of various sizes. Our large-format modules during wind events. company is working closely with top-tier Voyager+ has multiple features that are module manufacturers to align product designed to handle increased wind loads The new Voyager+, while specifically roadmaps and ensure that each of our created by the additional ‘sail area’ of LFMs engineered to support large-format customers is receiving a tracking solution and support the extra weight of large-format modules, incorporates the most successful that maximizes the value opportunity modules: Slew drives with powerful torque design innovations of the first-generation associated with the adoption of LFMs. FTC move the sun-seeking tracker from its Voyager tracker. With 1.9 GW deployed Solar also provides optimization software eastern to western positions during the day; worldwide through 2020, Voyager has been solutions and engineering services that help 150mm steel tubes which provide the main certified by UL/Intertek, short-term field customers achieve the best possible support for module weight are engineered to tested, and subjected to continuous efficiencies in land use, labor, and time by contribute torsional strength and resist improvement programs. The engineering developing optimal project configurations bending. Robust module rails ensure that criteria applied to the Voyager+ to handle for every situation. Voyager+ supports the heavier next increased loads preserve the Voyager’s generation modules and contribute to unique advantages of simplicity, flexible www.ftcsolar.com WWW.PESSOLAR.COM 81

CORPORATE FOCUS Secure your site with temporary camera surveillance Studer exhibitions 2: Booth design in the early years. Photo credit: Studer Innotec 82 PES SOLAR

CORPORATE FOCUS Kooi Security was founded in 2010 by CEO Pieter Kooi. From their headquarters in Drachten, the Netherlands, the company was one of the first to offer solutions using temporary mobile camera surveillance. In the beginning the focus was mainly on the wind industry, but this soon expanded into many other sectors. Today Kooi is active in 22 European countries and has offices in the Netherlands, Germany, France, the United Kingdom, Denmark and Austria. 150 employees work in these offices 24/7 to keep sites safe and make sure customers can rest assured. European expansion is one of the goals set by Experienced in the solar industry Pieter Kooi Kooi. In May 2021 they opened a new office near Vienna in Austria, to be closer to the Kooi has secured solar projects throughout use the best quality cameras, suited to the Eastern European market. Added to this, the the whole of Europe, with different European needs of our customers. We develop our possibility of opening an office near Madrid, partners. ‘We are securing parks from 1mw own software to make sure all the systems Spain is currently being explored. This is to up to 100mw and more. For example: work as they should and we are busy expand their business in the Spanish and Vlagtwedde 110mw, PV-Park Ganzlin 60mw, developing the use of Artificial Intelligence Portuguese market. Hoogezand 103mw, and many more. (AI) in our products. With the use of AI, we Active in different sectors can decrease the number of false alarms, The company serves a wide variety of The aim of the presence of mobile camera for example when a rabbit walks in front of sectors, namely: solar, wind, infrastructure, security systems (UFO’s) is to prevent our camera.’ construction, waste and recycling and site/ on-site theft and vandalism. ‘During the automobile storage. ‘For us solar becomes construction phase of projects, we know All the UFOs are equipped with an effective more and more important. We see a growth there are a lot of valuable materials on site. siren and a spoken message. ‘99% of the in the number of solar installations being Solar panels, cables, construction intruders are scared off when these are built, because of the European green energy machinery and tools are extremely prone to played. Our cameras work with detection goals. Therefore, the need to secure these theft and vandalism. Besides the high costs areas, designated by the centralists in the parks is also growing,’ says Almar Kleefstra, of replacing damaged or stolen materials, Kooi Alarm Center (KAC). When there is sales manager Solar at Kooi. ‘The fact that this can also delay the solar park’s movement in this detection area, the camera we have dedicated sales people for the solar construction process.’ Kooi provides is activated and the centralist will do an industry shows the importance of this customers with the assurance of preventive analysis and take immediate action if and industry to us. We even have a system, the security and ensures that trespassers are when needed.’ UFO (Unit For Observation) Medium, which is kept off your solar farm. specifically designed to secure the perimeter Available 24 /7 of the solar parks.’ Innovation is one of the most important aspects. ‘In our own Research and That EN50518 certified Monitoring and An operator at the Alarm Center Development department, specialists Alarm Receiving Center makes Kooi unique. continually try to improve our products. We ‘Only our own systems are connected to the KAC, which ensures that the systems on the customer sites always have the highest priority. The response on the alarms is the fastest.’ At the Kooi Alarm Center, experienced operators are 24/7 available to WWW.PESSOLAR.COM 83

CORPORATE FOCUS check out all the alarms. ‘Without our accessories, like the Hybrid Power Box and Before starting a project, the account specialists the technology wouldn’t be as the Solar Power Unit. These accessories can manager always links a security company effective. This way we combine the best of generate power when there is no other form that is closest to the project. If the siren both worlds.’ of power supply on your site.’ This ensures sounds and the spoken message doesn’t that the system will function at any location. chase the intruder away, the security For Kooi, the cooperation with the customer company will follow up on site. ‘In this way is essential. ‘We see ourselves as a specialist, Project insight we ensure the fastest follow up time, which a sparring partner in the field of temporary will prevent direct and indirect damage to mobile camera surveillance. We are not solely One of the newest developments is the 24/7 your site.’ a provider of solutions. We think along with Kooi App. This app provides the customer the customer and strive to have durable with the possibility of viewing all camera The customer won’t be called during the partnerships with them.’ images of all projects, secured by the night. ‘After working hours, we will handle the company and the different types of systems entire situation. The next morning the site Suited to the customers’ needs that are located on the projects. ‘Unique manager receives an extensive incident about this app is that the customer can also report by email, in the app and the customer It’s important to know that for every change the security times of the project. For portal. In the report the customer finds a situation, location and project, there is a example, if people normally work from description of the situation and the actions solution. ‘Together with the customer we 07.00 a.m. until 5.00 p.m., the camera will be taken. This means the customer can relax find the best solution for the site. We have active from 05.00 p.m. until 07.00 a.m. If the and not worry about their assets .’ different types of UFOs, so we are confident customer wants to start earlier or end later, or that we can provide the best and the most with for example holidays, they can easily To find out more about the temporary mobile reliable security for each project.’ change the camera detection times, camera surveillance solutions visit our according to the adjusted working times. This website: www.247kooi.com. Remote areas are included and can be will make sure that there are less false alarms.’ protected. ‘We also provide durable 84 PES SOLAR

Rest Assured with Kooi Camera Surveillance Keep your site safe from theft and vandalism Kooi is the specialist in the field of temporary mobile camera surveillance. With our solutions, equipped with a siren and a spoken message, we prevent damage on your site. Our cameras are connected to our 24/7 manned Kooi Alarm Center. The operators take immediate action in case of an incoming alarm. At the end of the workday, you can go home and we keep an eye on your site. 247kooi.com | Camera Surveillance

TALKING POINT Comprehensive PV expertise for a more sustainable future The power sector is undergoing a global transformation. Over the past decade, the costs of renewables have dropped substantially, solar power by as much as 80 percent. With the comprehensive knowledge and broad experience, Stäubli makes an important contribution to the PV industry and the vision of a more sustainable future. 86 PES SOLAR

TALKING POINT Renewable energy generation keeps on Small components, big impact awareness about the importance of these expanding steadily with increasing components and/or the attempt to lower capacities of solar, wind and hydro. Whereas Today, photovoltaic installations have CAPEX by reducing asset costs for eBoS solar energy has been proven to be the become extremely cost driven. In a tough components and thus choosing low-quality most economic or cost efficient and financial climate, it’s quite a challenge to find products or cheap workman. effective, it leads with a growth of 135 GW the optimal balance of CAPEX and OPEX. The in 2020. The worldwide installed capacity of PV industry is continuously looking for higher The lifelines photovoltaics (PV) runs up to about 755 GW, efficiency and lower production costs. of which around 50 percent rely on Stäubli’s Traditionally, this quest has centered on In order to guarantee consistently high yields PV connector portfolio. This pioneer and cutting the cost and improving the from PV plants on the long-term, reliable and inventor of reliable and powerful PV performance of big-ticket items such as solar high-quality components are required in connectors has been active in the PV panels, inverters and trackers. One area that addition to experienced project partners. In industry since 1995 and has launched the is commonly overlooked is electrical balance the complete PV energy system, the eBos first PV connector in 1996 named MC3, of system (eBoS) components such as can be considered as the subsystem between after the company name Multi-Contact at connectors and cabling. But the smallest the power generation part and the power that time. component can be relevant. use. The smallest components in eBos are the PV connectors. Their quality in terms of Ever since, the technical experts of the Recent studies suggest that it is crucial for contact technology, design, material and former Multi-Contact, today Stäubli, have project owners to focus on these manufacturing are key for the profitability of invested in research and development to components and not only on modules and a PV plant. bring the best electrical connectors to the inverters, which represent the largest PV industry for safe and long-term portion of CAPEX. Many field surveys of Matthias Mack, Director Global Alternative operation. In the course, the follow-up research institutes and technical advisers as Energies and member of the Management model MC4 was introduced to the market in well the experience of many projects owners Board at Stäubli outlines: ‘Quality and 2002 and has set the benchmark in the PV all over the globe show that technical failures reliability of photovoltaic connectors are connector world due to its outstanding or issues with eBos components show a high essential for the economic efficiency and characteristics for quality product and frequency of occurrence and can have the safety of a PV plant, because they are the dependable performance. biggest impact for economic losses in PV lifelines of a PV system. Our 25 years of assets. Root cause for this is either lack of experience in the PV industry is the WWW.PESSOLAR.COM 87

TALKING POINT Automation solution c-Si module production line foundation for the expertise in product terms of functionality, safety and material weather conditions ensuring continuous design, the technology know-how, the characteristics. After the in-depth operation. Furthermore, we place great competence in manufacturing methods as evaluation of all applied material, the definite emphasis on advanced services related to well as the alignment of processes and design and construction as well as the the connector as a product. Based on the services for the customer’s benefit.’ control of all assembly steps, the final findings of research and examinations, it is products are tested beyond the norm. our concern to increase the knowledge in the Contact quality industry about the importance of PV An important phase in the development connector components through training and Constantly low contact resistance of the PV process is the comprehensive and structured education as well as consulting support of connectors is key for efficient operation and test procedures we follow, to guarantee our partners. We care for the best solution safe energy feed-in. Increasing contact resistance to the harshest climate and resistance, e.g., due to deficient material characteristics, can weaken the efficiency of Small components. Big impact. PV connectors are the lifelines of the PV system the entire PV system. The core of the Stäubli PV connectors is the innovative MULTILAM contact technology. This unique contact principle stands out due to multiple contact points that improve connection quality and energy transfer thanks to its constant spring pressure and the unique design. This results in a constantly low contact resistance, ensuring safe and long-life operation and reduces downtime and service cost significantly. Furthermore, by means of this differentiating contact technology risks for power loss, hotspots or even fire that would lead to enormous reconstruction costs, are reduced to a minimum. The original Stäubli PV connectors from the MC4 connector portfolio are very stable in terms of temperature and show no heat accumulation. Comprehensive expertise Paying attention to the smallest detail and being committed to quality pays off for the Stäubli PV business, as its track record of cumulated more than 385 GW PV capacity proves. But also, for EPCs, asset owners and investors it is indispensable to consider all details and rely on expertise and quality, when approaching new PV plant projects. The company owns the know-how of the entire design and manufacturing processes, combining technical expertise with control of production and supply to guarantee quality in 88 PES SOLAR

TALKING POINT All PV plants around the world produce globally 740 GW, whereof more than 385 GW are connected with Stäubli PV connectors and therefore share our expertise for Any irregularity in the motion sequence of profitable operation in PV plants. With its planning as well as for operation and the robots would inevitably lead to breakage. longstanding experience in the PV industry maintenance (O&M) to mitigate risk and The Stäubli robots’ portfolio offers models for more than 25 years, the passion for secure higher return on the PV systems. for all wafer formats and handling processes. quality solutions and the attention to the The four-axis and six-axis robots of the TS2 detail, Stäubli is investing to support the Competence along the photovoltaics and TX2 series are world leaders in the development of an efficient and safe PV upstream production segment disciplines of dynamics, precision and industry for the future and to partner with its reliability, standing out with their superior customers sharing its expertise. Creating values in the PV industry, Stäubli drive technology. At the same time, the also owns extensive expertise in the efficient robots handle the valuable load with extreme About Stäubli PV cell and module production. As a partner care, so that wafer breakage or other in PV industrial production processes since damage can almost be excluded and the Stäubli offers innovative mechatronic the very beginning, the Robotics division has encapsulated design of the machines solutions in three core areas including been developing automation solutions for all ensures long-term reliability. Connectors, Robotics and Textile. process steps within the complex production Founded in 1892, today Stäubli is an chain for decades cooperatively with its In the crystalline silicon (c-Si) module international group headquartered in customers. Stäubli robots provide the production, the Stäubli robots facilitate every Pfäffikon, Switzerland with more than perfect solution to boost production, step. The precise and ultra-fast four-axis TS2 5,500 employees worldwide. The offering extremely high speed but smooth SCARA robots are the best on the market at company has a presence in 29 countries motion, high accuracy, and proven reliability delivering the shortest cycle times and with production companies, sales and with limited maintenance. managing high-speed tasks inside stringer, or service subsidiaries and is shingling machines. The prerequisites for this supplemented by agents in 50 countries. ‘Stäubli robots make the production of PV are the combination of a light and rigid cells and modules safer, more efficient and structure, patented JCS drive technology and As a world market leader in the field of more economical,’ explains Christophe the ultra-flexible CS9 control system. In connectors, Stäubli manufactures quick Coulongeat, Group Division Manager backend processes such as string layup and connector systems for all types of fluids, Robotics, ‘whether in the solar cell production module handling for assembly and test, gases and electrical energy. The or in the C-Si module manufacturing, our six-axis robots of the Stäubli TX2 generation Electrical Connectors product portfolio complete range of four and six-axis robots are used. As trends are towards longer strings ranges from miniature connectors to provide the perfect solution for every and larger modules, the speed and reach of high-performance connectors for power automation task in the PV industry combining the robots, with high positioning accuracy, are transmission, industrial automation, reliability, precision and dexterity to improve decisive factors. transportation, test and measurement. customer’s productivity.’ In Photovoltaics, Stäubli is the global Creating the future market leader with its MC4 connector Precision and speed components. The core of all Stäubli Stäubli robots facilitate the cost-efficient electrical connectors is the unique The requirements for automated handling in and reliable manufacture of all string systems MULTILAM technology. solar cell production push conventional currently available on the market as well as automation solutions to their limits: as in the those planned for the future. The original www.staubli.com/electrical cell manufacturing process such as diffusion Stäubli PV connectors of the MC4 product or PECVD, the silicon wafers have to be portfolio are the key element for safe and handled at high speed as well as with finesse. WWW.PESSOLAR.COM 89

ASK THE EXPERTS SENperc PV - Quality control solution with sample self alignment Top notch quality control Friedrich P Witek, Senior Manager at SENTECH, took time out to bring PES up- to-date with the progress of this innovative company. Their quality control (QC) solutions are second to none, rolled out world-wide and their market presence is rapidly expanding. They have come on leaps and bounds since our last interview in 2016. Read on to find out more. PES: Welcome back to PES Solar, it’s good to business campus Adlershof, Berlin. Plasma process technology and thin film talk with you again. For the benefit of our SENTECH Instruments develops, metrology are our business areas. Both new readers would you like to begin by manufactures, and globally sells innovative market segments have some connection to giving us an overview of SENTECH? capital equipment, centered on thin films photovoltaics. We provide innovative such as in semiconductor technology, solutions for non-contact, non-invasive Friedrich P Witek: In 1990, SENTECH was microsystems, photovoltaics, optical characterization using ellipsometry founded in Adlershof, Berlin and is part of the nanotechnology and materials research. and reflectometry. 90 PES SOLAR

ASK THE EXPERTS Push button operation PES: We know you are active in many even greater need for quality control above mentioned. It utilizes contactless industries, how important is the solutions like our ellipsometers. optical methods for accurate and precise solar industry? measurement of both, the film thickness and PES: Last time we spoke the new quality optical constants. The user receives a fast and FW: SENTECH Instruments operates in control system for PERC, the SENperc PV, comprehensive message to determine the different business areas. About 15 years ago was about to be launched at the Intersolar quality of the solar cell: within 2 seconds there we sold the first standard ellipsometer for 2016 in Munich, can you bring us up to date will be the information on pass or reject. measuring anti-reflective coatings for on its progress and take up? This involves a twostep operation: place cell photovoltaic applications. Today we offer a on device and push the ‘Measure’ button. full product range for quality control in Si FW: Due to special measuring solutions for There is no easier way to proceed quality solar cells, and R&D. the development and quality control of control in this case. silicon solar cells, SENTECH is very PES: We have heard it has been particularly In 2010/2011 the solar branch had a share of successful in the field of photovoltaics. Our successful in China and India, why do you nearly 30% of SENTECH Instruments overall latest development in our PV product range think this is? turnover. More than 500 quality control is the SENperc PV. It is designed for quality FW: Asia in general is to seen as the decisive systems for single layer AR coatings have control in PERC, HJT and TOPCON solar future market for alternative energies and been sold. In the last 5 years there was a cell manufacturing. will also be groundbreaking in the years to renewed growth of the solar market. come. In many Asian countries, alternative This innovative product, which can make the energies are already far cheaper than coal. Therefore, we expect the PV products to QC of manufacturing companies more These countries will continue to develop this contribute more and more to our turnover. effective and efficient, has now arrived on strategic advantage. China has been a The ongoing system change, into a world the market. Well-known PV companies are driven by alternative energies, will boost the our customers. First developed for Friedrich P Witek demand for PV products and increase the measuring PERC cells, SENperc PV is now business of the industrial solar cell also used for HJT and TOPCON. In this way, manufacturers. That’s why there will be an the entire range of applications demanded by the market is covered. This led to a high level of interest and many orders for the device from industrial customers of the PV industry. PES: What makes your solution SENperc PV stand out from the competition, what are the benefits to the end user? FW: Most of our customers have one main problem: Functional thin films in PERC, HJT or TOPCON solar cells show process depending variations in film thickness and optical constants. They depend on deposition line operating time and cell location on the carrier. Our customers are requesting a fast and non-invasive measurement method to assure constant cell quality. Furthermore, manufacturers require an easy and fast measurement for QC. Our SENperc PV is the solution for all the WWW.PESSOLAR.COM 91

ASK THE EXPERTS pioneer here for a long time and has a large QC for multi- and c-Si based solar cell manufacturing with the SENTECH SENperc PV market position. But India is also working extremely integral part of your business? the year of the accelerated expansion of innovatively in this area. For example, a renewable energies, which means it will be also gigantic new solar park is planned for the free FW: We have our own research department the year with records in production volumes. and uninterrupted supply of the grass sector that includes more than 20 engineers. These in a federal state, and floating solar power are almost exclusively dedicated to develop A lack of raw materials and simultaneously plants are under construction. Furthermore, new applications but also to the requested increasing demand could have an impact on India is one of the cheapest producers of PV customer applications. the quality of the products. This is where it is products worldwide. This of course particularly important to establish QC generates big international interest in Indian In general, we always strive to recognize the management. It’s the only way to ensure the solar products. current needs of the market and to enable consistent quality of the products on offer. The increasing production capacities of the these applications with our products. A large PV players lead to an increased demand for part of our products and their applications PES: What sort of impact has the pandemic products for QC which we can cover with our are precisely customized. Therefore, an had on your company and do you see that product portfolio. Our already existing innovative and functioning R&D department changing as move forward in 2021? partnerships in both countries and our is essential for our company. long-term business contacts are one of our FW: SENTECH was in the fortunate position advantages. PES: What do you feel is the biggest that the pandemic did not cause any We know the requirements of our trading challenge facing the PV industry today? economic damage to our company. The sales partners in China and India very well and can of 2020 could be even increased, compared cater to specific needs. In both countries we FW: Increasing order volumes make quality to 2019. During this difficult time, our also have excellently trained service personnel, control in PV production an essential factor, employees were given maximum flexibility in whose constant technical support is very much which is where our tool comes in. 2021 will be their work. We can proudly report that all of appreciated by our end customers. our employees worked hard to achieve an PES: How important is the Chinese market to outstanding result. SENTECH how have you seen sales expand? FW: China is one of our most important The demand for our innovative products markets, especially for PV products. The continues unabated and we are pleased to production of solar panels was firmly say that the order books are full for 2021 as anchored in China many years ago. Today 4 of well. We look to the future with confidence. the 5 largest solar panel producers are based We also hope that the restrictions imposed in China. Many of them have been our by the pandemic will soon be over, to make customers for a long time. personal meetings at exhibitions and The companies are extremely innovative and professional events possible again. have gained large knowledge in terms of PV panel production. In 2021, a record number of PES: Where do you see Sentech in new solar panels were installed in China 5 years’ time? alone. The production increased by around 30%; just the amount of demand in the FW: We hope, especially with regard to the country offers immense potential. PV market, that our SENperc PV will be fully PES: Is research and development an established in the market. We want to equip all major solar manufacturers with added QC for solar cell manufacturing SENperc PV value through our QC solutions. This is the way we want to make our contribution to generate clean energy, because that is the topic that will shape our future, not only in the upcoming 5 years. www.sentech.com/ 92 PES SOLAR

MOBILE SECURITY SOLUTIONS FOR SOLAR PARKS LIVEYE® PRO 2.0 SELF SUFFICIENT • Targeted surveillance with two highly functional PTZ cameras • Ecofriendly hybrid solution • Intelligent LivEye® analysis software (AI) • Detection Range up to 200 m • Mast height of 8.50 m • 150 l fuel tank • Up to 3 months self-sufficient operation with one tank filling • The location can be changed quickly • Optional: Customer camera | Thermal imaging camera | Time-lapse camera www.liveye.com LivEye GmbH Europa Allee 56b | D 54343 Föhren Phone: +49 6502 4034722 | Hotline: +800 77110888

The Innovation Hub for New Energy Solutions MESSE MÜNCHEN, GERMANY RESTART 2021 For a renewable, decentralized and digital energy industry Cross-sector solutions for electricity, heat and mobility From the latest insights to current best practice examples Meet 20,000+ energy experts and 800 exhibitors at four parallel exhibitions Be Part of the Leading Energy Exhibitions and Conferences at The smarter E Europe

WORK. EMPOWERED BY THE SUN! Increase independence and reduce electricity costs with photovoltaic and storage solutions from IBC SOLAR. For sustainable and self-determined business management – today and in the future. Contact us, together with our premium partners we will nd the right solution for your company. Learn more at www.ibc-solar.com/commercial

TALKING POINT Working with the power of the sun Efficient energy solutions with photovoltaics, storage and energy management. A system that pays off for companies worldwide. There is no need to convince anyone that the construction of a solar power plant is an investment in the future, allowing us to become independent from energy grids, and with the perspective of large savings. 96 PES SOLAR

TALKING POINT In fact, companies must react to rising energy costs and at the same time reduce their carbon footprint for ecological reasons. This cannot be achieved by saving electricity alone. One option is the use of self-generated solar power, ideally in combination with intelligent energy management. One thing is certain: energy will not become cheaper in the near future. This also applies to electricity used by businesses. Commercial electricity in Germany currently costs between 18 and 23 cents per kilowatt hour, and the trend is rising. This is a burden for small and medium-sized enterprises. One way out is solar electricity that a company generates itself and uses mainly for its own consumption. For a medium-sized company, it costs about 6 to 8 cents per kilowatt hour, which is significantly cheaper than conventionally generated electrical energy. Green matters But it is not just the financial side of things that matters. The continuing price increases for energy impacts long-term planning and cost security and thus also the general competitiveness of companies. Businesses should therefore invest into their energy independence and draw as little electricity as possible from the public grid. The more solar power self-consumption a company can make, the better. For example, a solar system on a rooftop area of 1,000 m² generates up to 150,000 kilowatt hours of electricity per year. Another advantage of solar energy is that companies can reduce their carbon footprint through emission-free power generation. Carbon footprint reduction as business missions have been introduced to more and more companies as customers are now increasingly pay attention to companies that show responsibility for the environment. In this respect, solar energy is well positioned. A perfect trio: photovoltaics, storage and energy management system Installing a rooftop solar system on the roof of an office or factory building, and that’s it? The idea is a very good starting-point, but there are ways to make PV power usage even more effective. The advantage for commercial enterprises that produce electricity during the day is that the electricity demand usually already corresponds to a very high degree to the electricity generated by a solar system. Depending on the type of business, companies can achieve a ‘natural’ self- consumption rate of around 30 percent or more. If you add a storage solution from IBC SOLAR, you can reach 60 percent, depending on the yield and consumption time. Battery storage can also perform additional functions. In addition to optimising self- consumption and peak shaving, they can also take over the emergency power supply and WWW.PESSOLAR.COM 97

TALKING POINT Analysis of energy system and, if necessary, a combined heat and power Green herbs with green energy: plant are intelligently controlled via a central Herrmann Kräuter therefore secure the power supply at all energy management system, companies times, even in the event of a grid failure. operate sustainably and self-determined. The prerequisite for optimal use of solar And even more: the solar power generated power is a flexible energy solution that is If the solar power system and storage unit can be used in the company’s own operations perfectly matched to the business. This are combined with an intelligent energy not only for the offices or to power ensures that the exact amount of electricity management system, companies can machinery, but also in other sectors of the the company needs is available at the right optimise and link a wide variety of processes company. This is known as sector coupling. In time. How well a complete PV system can in terms of energy. In this way, power this way, companies can heat warehouses turn out proofs Herrmann Kräuter, a German generation and consumption are perfectly with solar power, cool Cold storage rooms or based nursery and confectionery company. coordinated and regulated efficiently and charge electric cars, the perfect coupling of according to demand: a component of the electricity, heating/cooling and transport The company produces cut herbs on its own Industry 4.0. sectors. Companies are demonstrating on a open land and in greenhouses. In this small scale how the energy transition can context, Herrmann Kräuter delivers 200 tons The big picture: sector coupling and energy work on a large scale. of freshly cut herbs each week to major transition customers in the gastronomy and food trade. The electricity consumption for cooling the If the solar power system, storage system fresh herbs, the packaging machines and for the lighting of the greenhouses is with 850,000 kWh per year enormous. Not only during the day, but also at night. Therefore, the company was looking for an integrated energy solution, with as little electricity consumption as possible from the public grid. In context of the high energy consumption around the clock, a smart and reliable PV system is required to avoid peak loads as well as to cover the electricity demand largely via the solar energy. Therefore, IBC SOLAR installed a PV system with a capacity of 416 kWp and an additional storage system with a capacity of 207 kWh together with one of the company’s specialist partners. Now the PV system produces in total 340,000 kWh of solar energy each year. Additionally, the system is controlled by an energy management system (EMS) managing the 98 PES SOLAR

TALKING POINT ‘Moreover, the company saves around 170 tons of CO2 per year, this is very good for the green footprint and thus for the environment.’ consumers, the PV system, the existing CHP When choosing components for a project, it installations, and are properly trained. In this as well as the e-mobility. is thus worth paying attention to where regard IBC SOLAR offers an extensive individual parts are produced and how, if at network of over 1,000 regional partners With its own PV system, the company all, their quality is checked. With a specializing in the design of tailor-made solar Herrmann Kräuter is as independent as comprehensive portfolio of quality products, systems. They are experienced experts, possible from ever-increasing electricity a nationwide network of specialist partners whose help can also be counted on after the procurement costs and keeps it as and almost 40 years of experience in the project is completed and who immediately competitive as possible. Moreover, the industry, IBC SOLAR is one of the world’s respond to every service request. company saves around 170 tons of CO2 per leading specialists for photovoltaics, storage year. This is very good for the green footprint and energy solutions. As a result, the A reliable partner, such as IBC SOLAR, and thus for the environment. company offers a 15-year combined supports companies in the professional warranty for all combinations of its own planning of individual solar systems that are Quality above all else brand modules and assembly structures. adapted to the consumption profile of the business. The provider enables businesses to One of the most important factors in At the same time, the use of high-quality intelligently reduce their electrical energy photovoltaics is a well-engineered PV products accounts for half of success. The consumption, produce electricity sustainably installation design and the appropriate other half is a thorough market scan and the and themselves, and significantly reduce selection of high-quality components. PV selection of partners for the PV project who costs and CO2 emissions. modules and mounting systems are critical can boast experience, also in the to the durability of a PV installation. implementation of non-standard Find more information under: https://www.ibc-solar.com/commercial/ WWW.PESSOLAR.COM 99

THINK TANK Challenges to measure IV and EL characteristics of solar modules in laboratories and production Words: Damian Koesters, Product Manager, h.a.l.m. elektronik GmbH, Frankfurt, Germany. The global photovoltaic industry is going through a rapid transformation that affects all parts of the value chain. Producers face an ever-increasing demand for modules and have to scale their operations at a very high pace. The manufacturers’ competition around offering the lowest levelized cost of electricity (LCOE) created a trend for larger modules, bifacial product variants, and the use of high-efficiency cells. Furthermore, producers increase their efforts to monitor and improve quality. Simultaneously, the increasing demand for spectral range from 300 nm to 1200 nm. cetisPV-Moduletest3 and its variety of certifying module performance data drives With edition 3, the industry now has an product options meet the above- the growth of independent laboratories and official definition of an A+ rating for the mentioned challenges. certification bodies to build and expand spectral, spatial, and temporal global service networks for module characteristics of test equipment. With a rating of A+A+A+ with respect to IEC evaluation and testing. 60904-9 Ed. 3, cetisPV-Moduletest3 caters Productivity and trust within the to the highest needs on measurement Modern solar module designs require more photovoltaics industry are based upon accuracy. The optional cetisPV-XA enables a sophisticated measurement techniques to reliable measurement technology. As a maximum module size of 2.60m by 1.60m capture IV characteristics and recognized provider of measurement and makes sure h.a.l.m.’s customers are fit electroluminescence images accurately. The solutions, h.a.l.m. elektronik GmbH supports for growing modules and choose a future- recent edition 3 of the IEC 60904-9 standard, these values by offering a product portfolio proof solution. reflects these new requirements by for solar cell and module testing for introducing a denser evaluation scheme for manufacturers and laboratories alike. The combination of the optional cetisPV- spatial uniformity to cater to modules with Therm-package and cetisPV-NDF enables labs half-cut cells, and overall bigger sizes. Measurement systems for laboratories to determine temperature coefficients and the power-rating matrix of IEC 61853-1 that The standard for an improved evaluation of Wherever customers want to perform are crucial to predict performance in the field. modules based on new cell technologies in-depth analyses of module performance, Due to the optimized airflow of the cetisPV- also requires testers to comply with e.g. for R&D prototypes or certification of Therm-package, cetisPV-Moduletest3 offers adjusted spectral bands, within a broader samples from production batches, h.a.l.m.’s a fast, automated temperature cycling from 100 PES SOLAR