PES Solar 2016 Issue 29

THINK TANK “The use of bi-facial carrier-platesinduces additional challenges with regard to film uniformity” Frank Juergens Top configuration (a) break of the system vacuum. The proprietary concept was validated and Bottom configuration (b) tested successfully.Figure 1: Schematic drawings of the PECVD Mirror reactors (a) in the top configuration (depositions In the following some experimental data offrom above the substrates), (b) in the bottom configuration (depositions from below the substrates). the film uniformity, the minority carrierThe substrates are hanging in a carrier plate with openings, and are accessible for depositions from lifetime, which defines the passivationboth sides. Note that, in the bottom configuration, the wafer edges are covered by the carrier plate (at quality of a SHJ cell and complete SHJ cellleast on some parts) and that no deposition can be made on these covered locations. data will be shown and the principles of the reactor function will be explained. The Mirror Reactor concept PECVD Mirror reactors allow for ultra- homogeneous depositions on both sides of a substrate without the need for flipping it and without any vacuum break. In a classical PECVD reactor, the substrates are simply lying on an electrically-grounded metallic carrier-plate. Deposition is therefore only possible on one side of the substrates. In order to deposit on the second side, typically the substrates have to be taken out of the vacuum process chamber and mechanically flipped. In the Mirror reactor, the substrates are hanging in a carrier-plate with openings (“bi-facial” carrier-plate), making depositions from both sides of the substrates possible. As shown in figure 1, two different reactor designs are required: one for depositions from above the substrates (called “top configuration”), and one for depositions from below the substrates (called “bottom” configuration). The use of bi-facial carrier-plates induces additional challenges with regard to film uniformity. Indeed, the gap space below the substrate acts as an additional capacitor in the equivalent electrical circuit, which affects the global RF electrical field distribution and finally, leads to film inhomogeneity on the substrate. This reduction of the deposition rate in the center of the substrate compared to its edges results in considerable losses in performance and therefore is unacceptable for the production of high-performance SHJ solar cells. The successful approach to overcome this problem is the use of a secondary RF electrode on the carrier-plate side. A properly adjusted RF power level fed to the secondary electrode can compensate the www.pessolar.com 51

THINK TANK 0W 10W 20WFigure 2: Effect of the power compensation on the deposition rate (thickness measured in the Figure 3: Photo-luminescence imaging ofcenter of Ø10 cm round glass substrates). Images of some of the corresponding samples are SHJ solar cell precursors produced in theshown on the right. Mirror reactor (a) without power compensation, (b) with proper powerWafer deposition Tau at 5E14 Tau at 5E15 Implied Voc compensation.mode cm-3 [ms] cm-3 [ms] [mV] undesirable voltage drop in the gap spaceMirror in/ip 6.8 3.5 744 and hence, loss in local plasma power above the substrate. This compensation permits aMirror in/ip 9.9 4.6 746 film deposition as uniform as in the standard plate configuration, or even better. LayerTable 1: Minority carrier lifetimes and and implied VOC for i-n/i-p passivation layers thickness uniformity of less than 1 % has been obtained on the substrate surface due Figure 4: Plot of Minority carrier lifetime of SHJ solar cell precursors produced in the Mirror reactor to this power compensation.52 PES Solar The proof-of-concept of the PECVD Mirror reactor has been successfully demonstrated. The results show that the deposition rate in the center of the substrate can be extremely finely controlled by the power applied to secondary electrode (see Fig. 2). By applying the correct power compensation, very uniform and high- quality passivation on 6-inch CZ c-Si wafers were shown (Fig. 3b), whereas dramatically non-uniform results are obtained when there is no applied power (Fig. 3a). At first, this shows the absolute necessity of a proper solution to obtain uniform depositions when bi-facial carrier plates are used and secondly that the Mirror concept perfectly fulfils this need. Minority carrier lifetimes above 6 ms were obtained on solar cell precursors and SHJ solar cells with efficiencies up to 22%, were produced (full-area 6-inch cells, CZ c-Si). These results are on par with the ones obtained in the standard reactor using plain carrier-plates and with similar materials. The minority carrier lifetime, which serves as a quality indicator for good surface passivation, has been validated in several test runs and consistently shows very high levels. The examples in table 1 and figure 4

THINK TANKFigure 5: Comparison of deposition cycle in a state-of-the-art system vs. the OCTOPUS system. The stars represent handling steps, which do notexist in the OCTOPUS cycle. “The process time illustrate the passivation for a complete out, 1 heating chamber and 6 (double share per cycle will i-n/i-p layer device, which was stacked) PECVD reactor modules image 2reach 75% and more, manufactured in the mirror reactor. compared to 50% orless in state-of-the-art Reactor design and impact to the Cost-of-Ownership structure systems” Various system configurations were Frank Juergens evaluated and it was found that a cluster design is optimal for taking full advantage of the new mirror reactor concept and the specific deposition requirements of high-efficiency cells. The OCTOPUS II system for R&D and small scale production enables the processing of wafers by PECVD and PVD (TCO layers) , see image 1. Hence, all thin film depositions for SHJ can be done in the system without the need of flipping or vacuum breakage. Image 1: OCTOPUS II system with 1 PVD module, 1 Image 2: Principle configuration of a high- Load lock, 1 E-chuck, 3 PECVD modules throughput OCTOPUS system (heating module not shown) The OCTOPUS III system for SHJ mass production is fully optimised for the PECVD In terms of system yield and cost savings deposition process for high throughput. the following design features have a strong The system is equipped with 1 LL in, 1 LL positive impact: System footprint: the cluster configuration saves significant footprint in relation to hybrid inline systems (up to 40% are possible). For example, an OCTOPUS III system of 80 MW throughput, fits within 48 sqm Reduction of handling and system conditioning: In every given system the share of processing time should be as high as possible, which in the case of SHJ this is challenging, since this processing time is www.pessolar.com 53

THINK TANK “Another important aspect is the redundancy of the reactors in a cluster system. In case of the potential failure of one reactor the affected one is simply shut down, while all other reactors are still up and running” Frank Juergensrelatively short. With the Mirror reactor, the promises exceptional good levels of yield 2 - Heating of the carrier plates up totime for flipping and vacuum breakage is and uptime by the remarkable reduction of 200°C.completely eliminated, see figure 5. All complex automated handling devices or byother wafer carrying plate transfer avoiding the excessive usage of moving parts. 3 - Consecutive transfer of the first set ofdistances are short. Per any loading cycle plates into the process chambers.up to 12 wafer carrying trays will be loaded. Another important aspect is the redundancyThe shared application of pumping and of the reactors in a cluster system. In case of 4 - Deposition of i-n bottom layers (followedheating (and also venting at the end of the the potential failure of one reactor the by quick cleaning after the chambers havecycle) additionally saves time. All these affected one is simply shut down, while all been unloaded).features result in a superior share of other reactors are still up and running.process time vs. handling time. The 5 - Transfer to the subsequent topprocess time share per cycle will reach 75% Principle process sequence in an deposition chambers. Re-loading of theand more, compared to 50% or less in OCTOPUS system bottom deposition chambers.state-of-the-art systems. For a typical SHJ process comprising the 6 - Deposition of i-p top layers (followed byAlthough PECVD consumables do not deposition of a-Si:H i-n and i-p layers the cleaning step).exceed 6% of the entire SHJ cell line OPEX sequences are shown in figure 6.cost structure, the process system has to 7- Transfer to the Load-lock out. Transferprovide especially high yields and very low 1 - Loading of wafer carriers in the from bottom deposition chambers to topdowntimes. The OCTOPUS design load-lock. Pumping down to the system deposition chambers. vacuum base level. 8 - Venting and unloading after all platesFigure 6: principle process flow per system loading cycle have been collected in the load-lock out The cycle allows for overlapping of the process steps in a continuous way, which enhances even more the throughput. Summary The innovative top and bottom side deposition concept of the OCTOPUS system provides a solution which fills a gap in the available spectrum of PECVD tools, dedicated to heterojunction cell processing. Passivation quality levels, throughput as well as the mirror reactor and the overall tool design concept are very promising and offer a viable solution to the industry for this key process in the heterojunction cell manufacturing value chain. www.indeotec.com [ 1 ] Panasonic Corporation, Eco Solutions Unit. www.panasonic.net [ 2 ] Louwen A.; van Sark W.;Schropp R.,Faaij A.: A cost roadmap for silicon heterojunction solar cells. Solar Energy Materials & Solar Cells 147 (2016)54 PES Solar



ASK THE EXPERTSSame sun.More power.TMIn recent years, the solar industry has focused particularly on manufacturing capacity.However, if we want to meet the fast-growing future demand for renewable energy, juststepping up the volume will no longer be enough. This is why multinational Royal DSMN.V. focuses on adding value to the industry through innovations that make solar panelsmore efficient, durable and economical. In this interview, PES talks to Jan Grimberg,DSM’s Business Director Solar, to find out more about the latest developments in anti-reflective coatings, backsheets and – new – light-trapping technology.PES: Could you briefly introduce DSM PES: What have been the main changes Jan Grimbergand the role it plays in the renewable in the solar business in recent times?energy industry? JG: The solar industry is changing veryJan Grimberg: DSM is a globally operating fast, and growing even faster than wescience-based company that focuses on thought it would. In my view, this growth ishealth, nutrition and materials. Since 1902, also desperately needed. As the Worldwe’ve been providing the world with Climate Summit in Paris at the end of 2015solutions and innovations that improve again confirmed, renewable energy shouldpeople’s lives. In the past years, DSM has be sky high on everyone’s agenda.become increasingly active in renewable Compared to mid-2015, for example, theenergy in order to realize the company’s installation base of solar in the US andambition to enable and drive the transition China has increased significantly. Theto a low fossil carbon economy. industry has reacted to this increase by growing its manufacturing capacity. ThisDSM is active in renewable energy in a has even led to a shortage of wafers andnumber of fields. Drawing on DSM’s unique cells. Growth in solar at DSM in 2015 wasposition in biotechnology, materials sciences on average 20 to 25%, with the strongestand chemistry, the company is pioneering growth in the second half of the year.advances in renewable energies such ascellulosic bio-ethanol and in renewable In addition, there is an increasing need forbuilding blocks such as bio-based succinic new high-efficiency technologies to loweracid. In addition, DSM focuses on the levelised cost of energy (LCOE) of solar.developing technologies and material Nevertheless, adaptations to newsolutions that increase the efficiency of solar technologies are relatively slow. Amongmodules at every stage of the value chain. other things, this has been due to the factParticularly, we are leading in high-quality that the market has been focusing a lot onanti-reflective coatings. simply meeting market demand – getting the volume out.56 PES Solar

ASK THE EXPERTSFinally, we see an increasing focus on the keep up with the growth, but also to be able JG: Typically, backsheets are made of aregional diversification of modules. In the to expand our portfolio. polymer stack of materials, with severalpast, all modules were more or less the layers pressed together. Our PV backsheetsame, irrespective of where they ended up. PES: DSM is renowned in the industry is based on a co-extrusion process. In thisWhat you increasingly see now is that the for its anti-reflective coating (ARC) process, you bring different melt streamsdesign of the modules is adjusted to the technologies. Is this still a key part of together, which form one layer when itclimatic circumstances in certain areas. For the business for you? Could you tell us a cools down. But that one layer can be madeexample, in dry, arid areas you need better bit more about these technologies and up of different layers of materials. It’s aanti-soiling properties than in rainy their potential impact on the market? process that gives us a lot of freedom tocountries. design high-quality backsheets, which in JG: Yes, absolutely. For us, ARC is a this case, consist of various polymers,PES: This presumably means that solar/ stepping stone into the solar industry and it including a very durable polyamide.PV is still a growing business area for plays a key part in our strategy. What we’reDSM. How are you capitalising on this currently focusing on is not only improving This outcome is a backsheet that combinesgrowth? our existing anti-reflective coatings, but high power gain with very high durability. also adding certain properties and features It also has very good barrier properties,JG: Yes, it certainly is. We’re following to the coating, such as anti-soiling protecting the inside of the module fromdevelopments in the industry very closely, properties. The whole soiling issue has moisture.all of which point to growth. China has recently moved much higher up on theadded another 5 GW this year. Given that agenda of module companies, EPC Lastly, its excellent electrical insulationthe total global installed solar base was companies and solar park owners. properties make it more suitable for thesome 55 GW in 2015, this is a huge higher-voltage modules (1500V) that areaddition. On top of this, the US has recently In dry, arid regions especially you see that increasingly being used.extended its Investment Tax Credit (ITC), soiling can really reduce the power output.which will continue to drive investments in Add to that the extra costs of frequent PES: You also introduced the light-solar in the US. As a result, there are cleaning and you can immediately see the trapping technology at the Intersolartremendous opportunities for DSM. To benefit of a coating with anti-soiling exhibition in Munich, last June. Whatmake this growth happen within DSM, we properties. Of course, you will still need to does this technology bring to theare expanding our solar teams, not only to clean the panels every now and then, but the market? dirt will come off much more easily, because it doesn’t stick to the surface as much. JG: This light-trapping technology features uniquely shaped corner cubes that prevent We’re currently testing the coating at light from reflecting off the glass, while several sites around the world. You quickly internally reflected light is captured or realise that dirt comes in many shapes and “trapped”. In this way, light from higher forms, depending on the region. So that’s angles of incidence, especially during where diversification comes in again. An morning and evening hours, is guided more important target for DSM is to design an effectively to the cells. anti-reflective coating with anti-soiling properties that lasts for the lifetime of the We have optimised this light-trapping solar module. technology to be specifically suited for bifacial modules. A textured layer on the PES: We have noticed that DSM has backside of the module eliminates light losses recently expanded its solar portfolio and caused by the gaps between the cells. moved into the photovoltaic backsheet space. We are intrigued… Could you tell It also allows more of the diffused light us more? hitting the backside of the solar module to enter the module. We have developed a full JG: Backsheets are a crucial part of the technology package consisting of a module design and at DSM we’re always patented texture ideally suited for bifacial looking for new ways to add value through modules, embedded in an outdoor durable our technology or material designs. This is polymeric layer, including the coating and why we’ve partnered up with Suzhou imprinting technology. Sunshine New Materials Technology Co. Ltd, a Chinese start-up company, to The layer delivers more than 4% additional combine their backsheet design with DSM’s energy yield to bifacial modules, so you can extensive polymers and materials imagine that we are very happy with this knowhow. The resulting product will be able new development, which is currently being to lower the LCOE for the end customer, evaluated by the first customers. which will add value to the industry as a whole. PES: Is R&D still a priority for DSM? PES: What makes this backsheet JG: R&D is crucial. Personally, I believe it technology unique? has become even more crucial than before. Everyone in the industry wants to lower the www.pessolar.com 57

ASK THE EXPERTS “I have great confidence in the solar market. The PES: And what are your biggest industry is way beyond the infancy stage. It’s a challenges?crucial industry that will make a major contribution JG: The main challenge for the industry to putting renewable energy on the map” lies in adapting to new technologies. Because module companies are requiredcosts of solar. At first, this was done by using this technology more economical. to give 25-year guarantees, the market issqueezing the whole solar value chain as a bit risk averse.much as possible. This has now been PES: Geographically speaking, what aresqueezed to the max and the only way to get your key markets? Companies want to make very sure thatto even lower LCOEs is through innovation. they won’t run into problems after a number JG: We’re a global company, so we act of years. That intrinsically puts a break onYou need new, innovative materials that are globally. In terms of solar, we’re particularly being open to real innovation. When youmore efficient in the field. You can only expanding in the US, China and India, add new technologies to the market, youachieve that through sound R&D. And this which are our key growth markets. But the need to be sure that they’re going to bealso means teaming up with others in the solar market is growing all over the world, reliable. That’s why solid and sound R&D isindustry. so we’re closely following developments. so important. For example, the Middle East seems like anAt DSM, we’re great believers in open interesting new market. We’re also active in PES: What are your thoughts about theinnovation. For us the best way forward is Europe, of course, where the market is prospects for 2016 and 2017 with regardto combine our technologies and insights relatively mature; but here, too, there’s to DSM and the solar industry inwith those of other companies to add value room for growth. general?for the end customer. PES: Which aspect of the solar industry JG: I have great confidence in the solarPES: What kinds of solar R&D projects do you currently find most exciting? market. The industry is way beyond theare you currently working on? infancy stage. It’s a crucial industry that will JG: Renewable energy is needed more make a major contribution to puttingJG: Besides anti-soiling properties and than ever. Being able to contribute to a renewable energy on the map.general improvements to our anti-reflective more sustainable world with a materialscoating, we’re also working on science company such as DSM and to I’m also very confident that DSM will play anelectroconductive backsheets. These are make the transition to renewable happen important role in this. I’m sure that by the endvery specific backsheets that can be through our innovations is very rewarding. of the year, we’ll be seeing many morecombined with modules using back- exciting new developments that will helpcontacted cell technology. Over the past few years, we have seen make solar parks more efficient than ever. As that DSM is trusted for its coatings, which we say at DSM: “Same sun. More power.™”However, the adaptation of this technology also creates belief that we can do more.by the market has been slow, because the In the end, you’re doing it to improve Contact:backsheets were either not available or people’s lives, both now and for [email protected] too expensive. The electroconductive generations to come.backsheets we’re working on will make www.dsm.com/solar58 PES Solar



ASK THE EXPERTSMonitoring expansionDr. Daniel Faltermeier, Managing Director at meteocontrol North America, talks to PESabout the unique solutions they are able to offer due to their wide range of services.He is very positive about the future and the internationalisation of the company is partof the reason for this… Dr. Daniel Faltermeier PES: Welcome back to PES Solar/PV PES: Is solar/PV still a growing industry? magazine. It’s great to talk with you How are you capitalising on this growth?60 PES Solar again. For the benefit of our new readers would you like to begin by explaining a DF: Absolutely. Specifically in the U.S and little about the background of your China we are showing significant growth. organisation and how you currently But the markets in South Africa, South serve the solar/PV industry? America, Japan and the Middle East are also taking off. Our services are Dr. Daniel Faltermeier: meteocontrol comprehensive, so we notice changes in started from an engineering office for solar the market very quickly. This gives us the technology established in 1976 in Germany. edge to adapt to these markets early on Since its reorganisation in 2002 it has and then be able to offer tailored hardware developed into an internationally active solutions. company with branches all over the world with about 170 employees. PES: How has your business developed since our last interview? Besides our independent monitoring solutions, which is still our core business, DF: As I mentioned, we can look back on meteocontrol offers holistic solutions for quite a positive development for our solar and wind projects securing the yield international business. Even if the European from residential to utility systems. Currently market has become quieter in recent years about 41,000 systems with a total size of we are still growing. We have started new 11.5 GWp are monitored by meteocontrol developments in different fields. I have the worldwide. Over the last years, we have feeling we are going in the right direction. also provided quality services with an investment of more than U.S. $15 billion. PES: Can you tell us about your data loggers, how and where are they used? Our services include Independent Engineering, Weather Forecasting as well as DF: The data loggers record all data from a solutions for Operation and Maintenance. PV system centrally and ensure compliance Providing this broad range of solutions to the with the national and international market makes meteocontrol unique. requirements of grid operators as well as any country-specific feed-in regulations Since our last interview a lot has happened. according to the size of the system. We have focused even more on internationalising the company. This is The new generation of our data logger, especially evident when you look at the the blue’Log X-Series, results from the development in North America. Since the continued enhanced development of the beginning of the year we have quadrupled WEB’log series and offers valuable new our work force and established our new functionality and a flexible, extensible U.S. headquarters in Chicago for a more system to also meet the requirements in centralised location. We have also the future energy landscape. expanded our tech support in the U.S. The X-Series sets new standards in areas The Chinese market is now also covered by such as safety, installation, maintenance, a team located in Shanghai. usability and networking of web portal and data loggers. Features like real-time data

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ASK THE EXPERTS “We have set ambitious goals with our plans to expand internationally” Dr. Daniel Faltermeieraccess and a much easier set-up procedure prediction data from satellites, a preferred PES: Geographically speaking, your keyare only two of the great improvements in option to using cheaper crystalline sensors markets were the UK, USA and China,the new data logger generation. that are unable to do this. have you expanded into other areas since then?PES: meteocontrol provides a range of Also the requirement for power-controlservices to our industry; please tell us systems is still limited, for example, in the DF: In addition to those key markets, weabout them, their technology and their U.S, but from our experience in other have expanded our activity in the Middleimportance to the end user. markets, we expect a strong increase in the East, Africa and South America and next few years. Our strength is that we are recently we announced a successfulDF: Our goal is to offer our customers a already prepared for this. approach in Japan.comprehensive, independent, quality andengineering service package. As opposed to PES: You also offer a wide range of PES: Which aspect of the industrymost of our competition, we basically cover products; can you expand on this and provides the most satisfaction for youthe entire life cycle of a PV project: from yield also explain how the various right now?reports, risk analysis and commissioning to departments in your companyour own project monitoring hardware to collaborate? DF: We have set ambitious goals with ouroperations’ management we always have a plans to expand internationally. However,suitable product. DF: As I have already said, our company looking at how successful we have been in has its origins in monitoring. We started to the past months, confirms that we are onBy designing and manufacturing our own offer customer-specific monitoring the right path and that we can be verydata logger especially for photovoltaic and solutions early on. We have been the optimistic about the future.wind systems, we can ensure that our market leader in professional andcustomers get the most reliable product, independent monitoring of solar parks for From a technological point of view,available in the market. This is especially years. However, the spectrum of our developments in energy storage seem toimportant, when it comes to the operational products is not only limited to large projects me the most challenging part in increasingside of a project. Most issues can be solved and we now offer a product for almost any global energy conversion throughremotely with the monitoring system, even if project size. renewables. A lot of improvements havea problem occurs on-site. Not sending a been made during the last years, whichtruck to the site because of a minor failure Not forgetting that meteocontrol offers makes me optimistic that there will be areduces the O&M costs significantly. significantly more than just hardware solution to this problem in the future. monitoring. As part of our quality services,Our commissioning and design service we provide our customers with a broad PES: And conversely, what presents youguarantees that the systems meet all range of analyses, independent with the biggest challenges?requirements and is fully functional from engineering, through preciseday one. measurements in the field and the lab, as DF: With our newest product, the blue’Log, well as complete operation management. we have created a completely newA variety of experience in all the different This means we have a constant knowledge generation of data logger. Even thoughfields allows us to offer more transfer between our departments. driver development is much easier forcomprehensive solutions for our customers. supported components, such as invertersFor example, a permanent validation of our PES: How important is training to you and we are consistently compatible withyield reports with real life data allows us to and what training do you provide for almost all popular models on the market,give a very precise yield forecast with a both your clients and staff? the more exotic products keep challengingtolerance range, in most cases, below 3% us to meet all customer expectations.for 25 years. DF: Continuous education of our employees, as well as regular seminars for PES: What are your thoughts aboutPES: We believe there are to be our customers, are a high priority in our prospects with regard to yournew standards for solar radiation corporate culture. organisation for the rest 2016 and themeasurement and PV monitoring, how solar/PV industry in general?will this affect you and the end user? The advantages for our customers are self-evident. The more efficiently our DF: The development of the U.S. marketDF: Standards are a very important aspect products can be used, the more time and with high construction rates in solar untilin a market as young as the solar industry. In money our customers can save and the end of 2016 and probably beyond, leadsEurope many reliable standards have been ultimately the more satisfied they will be. us to expect positive businessestablished. The newer markets, like the U.S, development. In addition to this, we areare still at the beginning of this process. Similarly, customers also benefit from looking forward to a steep increase in sales employees with excellent skills. An in all the above markets as well.For example, here in the US we are seeing a on-going training program, with regularlot more interest in including pyranometers, participation in seminars and workshops www.meteocontrol.comwhich register the solar radiation, in help our employees to continually increaseprojects. This enables the comparison of their knowledge in this field.62 PES Solar

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ASK THE EXPERTSSimplyaccuratePES met up with Ruud Ringoir, Product Manager at Kipp & Zonen and asked him aboutthe current solar energy market. He was very enthusiastic about their new, all in one solarmonitoring system, the RaZON+. It’s easy to use, affordable and low maintenance….. Ruud Ringoir PES: Welcome back to PES Solar/PV optimal advice for their specific application magazine. It’s great to talk with you helps us to maintain growth and leadership64 PES Solar again. For the benefit of our new readers in this industry. would you like to begin by explaining a little about the background of your PES: How has your business developed organisation and how you currently since our last interview? serve the solar/PV industry? RR: We have experienced a steady growth Ruud Ringoir: Kipp & Zonen is based in especially in the PV industry where Delft, the Netherlands. Originating from a accurate monitoring has become a pharmaceutical company in 1830, we are common practice. now market leader in radiation sensors for the meteorological market and solar We adapted our instruments to reduce daily industry. We have offices and exclusive maintenance by integrating the desiccant in distributors to support our local customers the housing. We integrated our Smart in more than 40 countries. Modbus interface in all our radiometers in order to simplify the connection. This has Over the last decade we have moved our led to an increasing demand for our Smart focus towards the PV and CSP Industry, sensors and the industry even awarded us developing new products to accommodate with the Solar+Power ‘Energy Usage their standards and interfaces. Enabling Award’. PES: Is solar/PV still a growing industry? PES: We see that Kipp & Zonen have just How are you capitalising on this growth? launched RaZON+, please could you tell us about it and what it is used for? RR: Solar energy is a growing market. There have been changes based on local incentives, RR: RaZON+ is an all in one solar feed in tariffs and laws or regulations, but as monitoring system. It is specially designed we sell our products worldwide, the average with the PV and CSP industry in mind. It demand is increasing for us. offers all required parameters needed for monitoring a solar energy power plant. The Providing accurate and stable instruments integrated logger and multiple interfaces that have had proven track records for make it a turnkey solution. decades gives us an advantage. Sharing our knowledge with distributors and Both pyranometer and pyrheliometer use customers and providing them with the our Smart Interface for full temperature

ASK THE EXPERTS “The proven technology will be further investigated to see if we can expand it to our other radiometers” Ruud Ringoircorrection. Due to its anti-soiling design RR: Ease of use and low maintenance were RR: The RaZON+ already indicates we wantand attractive price we are sure the our key targets for this product. We wanted to provide complete and accurate solarRaZON+ will find its way in future solar to provide all relevant information with radiation data for solar energy applications.energy parks around the world. optimal accuracy in one simple affordable We are expanding our services worldwide package. by offering local radiometer calibrations.PES: What are the advantages, both in This allows for shorter return times andtechnological terms and for the end user? The RaZON+ can be set-up and checked lower transport cost for our customers. via its Wi-Fi interface with any smartphone,RR: The main technological advantage is tablet or laptop. An installation guide helps For the meteorological market we continuethe calculation of global irradiance (GHI) the customer to finish the installation in to improve our instrument technology butfrom diffuse and direct. This provides even minutes. This way anyone can install and keep our focus on high accuracy andbetter accuracy than our secondary use the RaZON+. All relevant information is stability.standard CMP11. available over the RS-485 or Ethernet interface. PES: Where do you go from here inThe new developed pyrheliometer has a PES: Is the Razon+ something which can terms of product innovation?quartz diffusor and open tube. This has the also be used in the meteorology andbenefit of very low soiling and therefore low climatology market? RR: Complete turnkey solutions and lowermaintenance for the whole system. The maintenance are the key words here. Weintegrated logger provides accurate global, RR: Yes, even though designed for the are working on some real innovativediffuse and direct radiation but also solar energy market, other markets will products and features, but it issunshine duration, solar angles, GPS time, appreciate the price / performance ratio unfortunately too early to tell. Check ourlocation and status information for and low maintenance of the RaZON+ as a website and product information regularlymonitoring its own performance.The web totally integrated system. It will be a good to see what’s coming.interface allows for remote firmware solution for meteorological stations, withupdates. There are planned updates for a low budget, for delivering the global, PES: What are your thoughts aboutModbus weather stations, pyranometer in diffuse and direct irradiance and sunshine prospects for 2016 with regard to yourPOA (Plane of Array), PV panel temperature duration data. organisation, and the solar industry insensor etc. Another planned update is the general?use of the RaZON+ for local calibration of PES: You recently acquired Blackpyranometers. Photon’s Airshield® DNI, how is this RR: For us the solar energy has become a helping in the development of mature market where we expect a steadyPES: How important was user pyrheliometers? growth for the coming years. The need forfriendliness to the project and why? accurate measurements will remain for RR: For us this was the fastest way to prospecting, bankability and calculation of improve our existing pyrheliometers. the Performance Index. Kipp & Zonen will The proven technology will be further continue to support this market with investigated to see if we can expand it accurate new products. to our other radiometers. www.kippzonen.com Both the Airshield® and the anti-soiling design of the RaZON+ instruments focus on data accuracy and maximising the maintenance interval. PES: What are the implications for your clients? RR: The Airshield® technology helps our customers to maximise the availability of accurate data. It prevents soiling and therefore ensures that the specified instrument accuracy remains available over a long period. The use of the Airshield® greatly reduces the maintenance cost, especially for remote locations. PES: Geographically speaking, have you moved in to new markets since we last spoke and do you have further expansion plans? www.pessolar.com 65

TALKING POINTMulti Flow TechnologyWords: Franz Breitwieser, Product Manager, Fronuis InternationalThe trend in recent years of rising electricity prices and the falling costs of photovoltaic(PV) systems mean that the cost of generating electricity from PV is now significantlylower than the purchase price of electricity. With feed-in tariffs falling steadily at thesame time, it is becoming an increasingly attractive proposition for system owners touse the energy they generate themselves rather than to feed it into the grid. placed on the inverter and how the Fronius 4. B attery → inverter: discharge current Symo Hybrid series satisfies these demands. from the battery 2. Energy flows in the storage system 5. AC grid → inverter: charging current to the battery from the AC grid A fully configured PV storage system can be characterised by the five load flows The first two energy flows are typical of a shown in (Fig. 1). PV system with no storage facilities. However, storage systems must also be 1. PV generator → inverter: PV current able to handle energy flows nos. 3 and 4 so they can charge and discharge the battery. 2. I nverter → consumer or into the grid: Energy flow no.5 – charging the battery feed-in current from the AC grid – is not an absolute requirement as a basic function of a storage 3. Inverter → battery: charging current system, which is why this operating mode is to the battery Franz Breitwieser Fig.1: Energy flows in a storage system 1. Introduction To maximise what is referred to as self-consumption, electrical storage systems are frequently being used alongside energy management systems. These PV storage systems demand much more complex control systems and current flows from the inverters than has previously been the case. This is exacerbated by the fact that the use of storage systems is resulting in a greater focus not only on maximising self- consumption but also the use of additional functions, such as: • Optimised response to load – and/or time-dependent electricity tariffs • Improvements in grid quality (e.g. voltage retention) • Emergency power in the event of a power failure The following illustrates what effects these functions have on the technical demands66 PES Solar

TALKING POINT “The demands placed on an inverter in a storage system have become much greater than those of a conventional PV system with no storage facility” Franz Breitwiesernot supported by every type of storage system and the ensuing premature grids is resulting in more and moreinverter. Be that as it may, this operating degradation of the battery. pressure on them to contribute towardsmode supports numerous additional the provision of grid services. The use ofapplications, some of which are already Minimum charge for emergency storage systems means that PV systemsimportant today and will become power situations are increasingly able to play a major role inincreasingly so in the future, as the voltage and frequency retention. An ACfollowing examples show. The configuration of many PV storage charging function that supplies energy to systems enables emergency power to be the storage system as needed in line with2.1. AC charging function supplied to the property in the event of a specific (e.g. local voltage-dependent) power failure. Irrespective of the insolation control mechanisms can enhance theEven though the AC charging function has conditions, AC charging ensures that there usefulness to the grid of a PV system withno immediate relevance when it comes to is always a certain minimum charge in the a battery.optimising self-consumption, a closer storage system. It is also worth noting thatexamination reveals a wealth of applications there will still be sufficient time to fully Participation in the electricitythat would not be possible were it not charge the system whenever notice of a grid balancing marketavailable. Charging via AC can take place shutdown is received.using either energy sources on the private Transmission network operators(domestic) grid or the public grid (grid 2.1.2. F rom the viewpoint of electricity compensate for the imbalance in thesupply). market players electricity markets (generation and consumption not on a par at the point ofExamples of AC charging applications can Time-dependent electricity tariffs delivery) by drawing on control power.be seen from the perspective of the three Control power is purchased according tofollowing stakeholder groups. The emergence of intelligent electricity market factors (electricity balancing meters (Smart Meters) has persuaded markets). In much the same way as the2.1.1. F rom the viewpoint of the progressive electricity providers to offer electricity market players employ system operator their customers time-dependent electricity flexibility (see above), the decentralised tariffs. This allows the storage system to be battery bank (combined to create aCoupling with other energy sources - AC stocked up with electricity from the grid “virtual power station”) also offers acoupling during low-price periods so that it can be flexible option regarding the purchase of used to heat the home during the periods control power.There is a steadily growing range of small when the price is higher. This facility iscombined heat and power stations (micro particularly useful at times when insolation 3. Multi Flow TechnologyCHPs) and even low output wind farms on levels are low.the market. These systems make The energy flows described in the previouselectrical energy available even when PV Use of storage system flexibility for section are necessary to ensure theyields are low (winter) and the PV storage balance group optimisation optimum operation of PV storage systems.system is running well below capacity. Not only is the inverter required to manageThe AC charging function enables surplus The role of the electricity markets (kWh these operating modes, the questionelectricity from these complementary markets), and hence their respective players, whether these currents can flow in parallel(local) sources to be stored temporarily in is to balance supply (generation) and demand (simultaneously) is also pertinent. The Multithe PV storage system and then drawn off (consumption) as equally as possible before Flow Technology used in theat a later date. the electricity is needed. As PV and wind in particular are susceptible to natural Fronius Symo Hybrid series represents aFurthermore, AC coupling allows a storage fluctuations, good forecasting tools together comprehensive approach to energy flowsystem to be easily retrofitted into an with a range of flexible options are essential if control in which the inverter becomes anexisting PV system. these energy sources are to be successfully intelligent control centre for all current integrated into the market. Decentralised flows.Conservation charging battery banks (combined to create a “virtual power station”) are one such option. The following examples illustrate theIf no, or very little, PV energy is available advantages of Multi Flow Technology andover longer periods, from for example, 2.1.3. From the viewpoint of grid operators highlight the differences compared with afaulty PV modules, snow-covered PV storage system that does not benefit fromgenerator, etc., the AC charging function Improving grid quality the technology.prevents deep discharge of the storage The increasing number of PV systems in www.pessolar.com 67

TALKING POINTSimultaneous supply to the home from PV and batteryTo cover energy requirements in the home, the output fromthe PV system is used with any shortfall beingsimultaneously drawn from the battery. If Multi FlowTechnology were not available, i.e. if these energy flowscould not be utilised in parallel, PV current would not be ableto cover all the requirements of the household, even thoughsome energy might still be present in the battery.Alternatively, the PV system would have to be turned off,resulting in the loss of energy.Charging the battery and supplying the home with PVIn cases where the output of the PV system exceeds theconsumption of the household, the surplus energy will bestored in the battery. This surplus energy is not fed into thegrid until the battery is fully charged.Without Multi Flow Technology, the inverter would have toreduce power, resulting in the loss of the surplus energy.Simultaneous supply of the home and charging ofbatteries by PV and other energy producersTo cover the energy requirements of the household, the outputof the PV system and that of the other energy producers (e.g.a small wind generator or CHP) is used, with the surplusenergy being stored in the battery at the same time. Thisenables a high degree of autonomy to be achieved, even in thewinter months.Systems without Multi Flow Technology are not able to use thebattery to temporarily store the energy provided by the otherenergy producers.Covering consumption in emergency power situationsusing PV and a batteryIn emergency power situations, the consumption in the homecan be covered simultaneously by the PV system and thebattery. Moreover, emergency power operation can continueeven when the battery is discharged; assuming the output ofthe PV system is greater than the consumption in the home.In the case of systems without Multi Flow Technology, theenergy from the PV system often cannot be used foremergency power operation and is consequently lost.4. Summary simultaneously. It is difficult to imagine doing without the AC charging function forThe demands placed on an inverter in a certain applications and this function willstorage system have become much greater become even more important in the future.than those of a conventional PV systemwith no storage facility. The inverter in a The Fronius Energy Package and Multi Flowmodern storage system should be able to Technology satisfy the stringent demandsintelligently control every conceivable placed on the control system of a modernenergy flow and hence maximise self- storage system. Multi Flow Technologyconsumption levels. To ensure that no ensures that the storage system can beenergy is lost and the highest levels of used in a wide variety of applications, bothenergy efficiency are obtained, all energy now and in the future.flows must be able to be delivered www.fronius.com68 PES Solar



CORPORATE FOCUSThe power ofenergy storageExide Technologies is a global provider of stored electricalenergy solutions, with operations in over 80 countriesaround the world. It manufactures and markets batteriesfor a wide range of applications, from cars to railroads andis an increasingly powerful player in the fast-growingenergy storage market. Research by IHS says this industryis set to explode in the coming years, with grid-connectedstorage alone expected to go from an installed base ofunder 7 GW in 2017 to over 40 GW in 2022.Exide has worked on many ground breaking stored away and then used in times of battery storage system that uses a modularenergy storage projects, including off-grid reduced power generation. design to improve efficiency. It is one ofisland deployments, rural electrification the most ambitious energy storageprojects and large-scale solar parks. Its Storage technology is also expected to play projects to date and is the first of its kindsolutions are also used in homes and a major role in frequency response. For worldwide. Other partners include Uniper,businesses looking to decrease their example, when the UK’s National Grid SMA, RWTH Aachen University, IAEW andreliance on the grid. With its wide range of published a recent tender for 200 MW of the E.ON Energy Research Center attechnologies and experience, Exide can enhanced frequency response capacity, RWTH. Exide is contributing itsoffer expert and impartial advice on the most of the submissions proposed technology and expertise, and willmost efficient and cost-effective approach battery storage. analyse the results to optimise how futurefor each project. installations are designed and delivered. Exide has been involved in several largeBalancing the grid deployments designed to balance the grid. Situated in a former office building in One example is a large solar park in Germany’s RWTH Aachen University,Renewables form an ever greater share of northeast Germany, built for €100m and M5BAT has batteries and other equipmentthe global energy mix. Solar capacity producing over 70 GWh/year. 2,000 kWh stretching over two floors and the roof. Itincreased from 177 GW to 227 GW between of energy storage capacity was installed uses a combination of lead-acid and lithium2014 and 2015, according to data from at the site and the facility won approval to batteries, each handling different dischargeREN21. Wind power capacity grew from provide frequency response to the durations. Because each battery is370 GW to 433 GW in the same period. As high-voltage grid – a lucrative segment of specially optimised for a particular task,renewable capacity grows, volatility the market where operators achieve strong M5BAT enables far better performance thanbecomes the biggest obstacle we face: margins. Exide’s GNB TENSOR SOLAR a single technology alone could achieve.balancing power generation and technology was selected. This is designedconsumption when there is no way to to excel in demanding cyclic storage Project participants invested €12.5 millioncontrol the sun or the wind. Energy storage applications. in M5BAT and the German Federal Ministrysystems provide a solution to this increased for Economic Affairs and Energyvolatility, allowing excess energy to be Exide is also a technical partner in the contributed €6.5 million in funding. The M5BAT project, a revolutionary hybrid70 PES Solar

CORPORATE FOCUSGNB Restore 500 series initial focus will be on testing the distributed lower total cost of ownership, and achieve provision of control reserve and more predictable returns.The Restore 500 series is a full battery opportunities for intraday arbitrage. Severalsystem that comes in a standardised Exide solutions are used in the project, Remote locations are oftenshipping container. It is entirely ‘Plug and including GNB Classic OCSM, GNB disproportionately affected by climateStore’, saving customers all the typical Sonnenschein SOLAR batteries, and the change, so there is a strong incentive to betime, costs and complexities of designing GNB Restore 500 series – this is an entire more environmentally friendly. There is alsoa bespoke system from scratch. Multiple ‘Plug and Store’ battery system that comes a major financial benefit: energy storage iscontainers can be daisy-chained to suit in a standardised shipping container. It is often the most cost-effective approach.your storage needs, giving you the exact designed as a complete solution, with Given the costs of transporting diesel tocapacity you require. everything from a battery management remote locations, energy storage offers system to climate control. lower total cost of ownership over the longEach system comes fully equipped with term. The raw cost of diesel is alsoeverything you need. The ventilation and Bringing constant power to off-grid considerable, and it can fluctuateclimate control are designed to deployments significantly – making it difficult tomaximise battery lifespan. The accurately price and therefore finance auninterruptible power supply ensures it Energy storage systems are increasingly project.will keep working in a power failure. The common in off-grid and rural electrificationelectrical cabinets come fully equipped projects. These deployments used to rely Exide has worked on off-grid and poor-gridwith a circuit breaker and on diesel generators alone, but this is projects around the world, includingcommunication infrastructure. happening to a lesser extent. Many are now hospitals in Haiti, households in Ecuador, opting for a combination of a photovoltaic and schools, banks and clinics in SierraThe battery management system uses system and energy storage. Often a diesel Leone. Many of these use a combination ofoptimised charging and control generator is still included for additional PV and energy storage, allowing for aalgorithms. This ensures optimum resiliency, but this depends on the complete off-grid energy system that reliesperformance and cycle life, and the best requirements. By reducing dependence on entirely on renewable sources. Givingreturn on investment over the long term. diesel, operators can simplify operations, reliable access to electricity transforms www.pessolar.com 71

CORPORATE FOCUSremote communities, leading to vast With around 4,000 PV modules installed, means there is more incentive to invest inimprovements in healthcare, economies Tokelauans now get reliable electricity the technology, and more power can beand quality of life. 24 hours a day, all year round. Surplus generated for the same investment. It also energy is stored in a bank of 1,356 GNB means parts of the world with less sun canExide helped Tokelau, an island territory of Classic OPzS cells with a nominal now achieve a payoff from solar for theNew Zealand, to become the first nation in capacity of 2,750 Ah. These are highly first time.the world to be powered entirely by solar robust and have a long operational life,energy. The switch to solar was made which is critical given the geographical As more households invest in solar panels,possible by combining PV modules with a remoteness of Tokelau and the cost of it makes sense to also invest in energyhuge bank of GNB-branded Exide providing on-site support. storage. This allows you to capitalise onbatteries. The batteries allow energy to be excess energy generated during the day,stored for use at night and when the sun is Energy storage for homes and which can then be used in the evening andbehind the clouds, making power available businesses overnight. Exide’s GNB Sonnenschein@around the clock. home Lithium is specially designed for More and more homeowners and home installations, with excellentTokelau is one of the most remote nations businesses are investing in energy storage. performance and reliability.in the world, situated over 3,700 km away It allows them to reduce dependence on thefrom New Zealand in the South Pacific. It is grid, improve the reliability of their energy Exide is also seeing more interest in energymade up of three atolls with a combined supply, and use stored energy during peak storage from businesses with major energypopulation of around 1,400. Before solar times when on-grid energy is most costs. This includes firms in mining andwas introduced, Tokelauans relied on diesel expensive. And if you use renewables to heavy manufacturing, and those withgenerators, which required shipments of generate the stored energy, you improve energy-intensive server infrastructure, likediesel from Samoa, over 500 km away. Fuel your carbon footprint. web businesses and data centres. Theseimports totalled around $800,000 a year, companies can use stored energy duringa crippling amount for an economy of The price of solar panels has fallen by 80% peak times – this ‘peak shaving’ can lead tothis size. since 2008, according to IRENA. This substantial savings. The energy storage72 PES Solar

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CORPORATE FOCUSsystem can also be used for other Dirk Kaisers, Key Account Manager Energy Storage Systems EMEA at Exide talks toapplications, like providing an uninterruptible PES about their longstanding reputation as one of the world’s leading energy storagepower supply. This allows CAPEX costs to providers. Exide believes in developing close relationships with its customers andbe apportioned accordingly, leading to even designing solutions that deliver the strongest return on investmentstronger return on investment. PES: How long has Exide been in the energy storage business?Energy storage is also popular amongbusinesses that need an uninterruptible Dirk Kaisers: We’re one of the longest-serving companies in this sector and have beenpower supply as their primary concern. This involved in some of the most ambitious energy storage projects going back decades.includes businesses based in areas with Back in 1987 we developed a grid-integrated storage system for BEWAG in the formerunreliable power, or for whom a power West Berlin. It was an innovative project at the time and was still fully functional when itfailure has serious economic was decommissioned in 1994 – after more than 7,000 full equivalent cycles.consequences. For example, foodproducers are forced to dispose of stock PES: What do customers want from an energy storage provider?when freezers and refrigerators stopworking. Insurance companies may spend DK: Customers want a partner who develops a deep understanding of their businessmillions on a TV advertising campaign, but and the unique challenges and opportunities they face. This is central to what we do atthen be unable to pick up the telephone Exide. Every project starts with scoping out the work, understanding the goals of thecalls that result from it. Even when an project, and offering impartial, expert advice. For customers, it is also reassuring touninterruptible power supply is the main know that our batteries are designed by highly experienced engineers, made in auditedrequirement, Exide can combine this with production facilities in Europe and have been battle-tested in real-world applications.peak shaving and other applications todrive down costs and improve return on PES: Does Exide have a particular geographical focus?investment. DK: Exide prides itself on being involved in projects everywhere, from the developed2015 was a record-breaking year for new economies of North America and Europe to the emerging markets of Africa, Southinvestments in renewable power capacity, America and Asia. We are also involved in rural electrification projects in extremelywith $265.8 billion deployed around the isolated locations, like remote islands and deserts. Energy storage is a hot topic now,world. Much of this was spent in larger and we are seeing rising interest from across our operations in more than 80 countrieseconomies like the United States, Japan, around the world.China and Germany. In the years ahead,smaller economies will invest more, helping PES: How does Exide think about return on investment?to further accelerate growth. DK: Energy storage is on the rise because the economic case is more compelling thanAs the world relies more on renewables, the ever. More and more operators are seeing strong returns from energy storage projects,question of volatility remains: there is no which is attracting private capital and spurring growth in the industry. Exide has a wideway to control the behaviour of the sun or range of energy storage products that are tailored to specific applications. So wethe wind. There may be long spells when analyse an installation and propose the solution that delivers the lowest total costvery little power is generated, creating of ownership.instability for the grid. Energy storagesystems can address this problem, eveningout the imbalances between powergeneration and consumption, and allowingrenewables to form an ever greater share ofthe global energy mix.Energy storage is a surging market, and theeconomics are increasingly attractive togovernments and private investors.Customers want an energy storage providerwith a global footprint, industry-leadingproducts and world-class manufacturingfacilities. They also look for breadth ofportfolio, successful deployments, and theability to give expert advice. Exide is wellplaced to deliver on all counts. www.exide.com74 PES Solar

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ASK THE EXPERTSLifetime efficiency– the challengeEmaZys Technologies founder, Anders Rand Andersen, founded the company becausehe was inspired and interested in PV lifetime and efficiency. Today he and Arne Pedersen,CEO, talk to PES about our industry and the importance of collaboration. They alsointroduce us to the Z100 PV Analyzer. Read on to find out more...Anders Rand Andersen PES: Welcome to PES Solar/PV University (Helsinki). I had had the magazine. Thanks for talking with us. opportunity to work in his laboratory during Would you like to begin by explaining a my PhD studies. So this is the background little about the background of your to EmaZys Technologies. I simply felt the organisation and how you currently urge to start a company that would be serve the solar/PV industry? dedicated to PV system lifetime and focus on new PV test and measurement Anders Rand Andersen: The motivation to technologies, such as impedance testing. set up EmaZys Technologies came about when I started to realise the importance Today EmaZys Technologies supply O&M and challenge of solar cell lifetime. Lifetime companies, EPCs, installers, module is as important as efficiency and price, but I manufacturers and PV experts with our noted early on that solar cell conversion Z100 PV Analyzer. This is a new technology efficiency records appeared to be the most suite entirely developed to strengthen PV prestigious goal for scientists. However, as system economy via enhanced fault finding a result of my work with dye solar cells, I and impedance testing capabilities. We became more interested in the PV system also work within solar PV technology lifetime and ways to keep actual field consulting and we contribute to various mounted PV systems operative and workshops and webinars to stay close to profitable for as long as possible. In 2010 the pulse of the industry. dye solar cells were widely promoted due to relatively good efficiency, but the thermal stability was not realistic for commercial applications. This inspired me to study stability. I was also captivated by the advanced solar cell characterisation methods used by Janne Halme and his team at Aalto The Z100 PV Analyzer measures the position of a range of PV system faults and the instrument is suitable for fast work during solar PV operations and maintenance. The Z100 PV Analyzer works well under low light conditions and it is therefore possible to perform O&M and service tasks in almost any weather. The Z100 PV Analyzer records useful information in the field and typical faults are found within 3 minutes of arrival at the PV system terminals. This increases productivity of the PV service team and leads to work time reductions of up to 40%.76 PES Solar

ASK THE EXPERTSPES: Is this a growing industry? How are Schematic illustration of the Z100 PV Analyzer testing principle. The core technology is impedanceyou capitalising on this growth? measurements in a broad frequency interval. This means that the instrument is “actively” transmitting small signals into the PV system during testing. At each frequency a small current is measured, andARA: Yes, the solar PV O&M industry is the impedance is calculated and interpreted. The output on the user interface is however greatlygrowing at the moment, just like the PV simplified to messages such as “ground fault between panel 5 and 6” etc.market. According to Green Tech Media,the global PV operations and maintenance PES: How can your PV Analyzer speed The Z100 features a “module test” wheremarket is set to reach 237GW by 2018, but up work routines and reduce time loss individual modules can be shaded whileprobably it will grow even more as the for the end user? the whole string is tested. Using thisinstallation market increased by more than method it is possible to test the PV50 GW last year. I guess this explains the ARA: The Z100 PV Analyzer can increase module bypass diodes. Latterly we haveinterest we are experiencing this year. We the O&M productivity in a number of ways. shown that Potential Induced Degradationhave customers from almost all over the First of all it can localise ground faults and can be found using the shading method.world now and currently a special interest disconnects in 1-2 minutes after connecting According to our customer feedback thefrom the APAC region. We are capitalising to the PV system terminals. This reduces Z100 set of testing features can save up toon this first of all, by increased sales, but the need for dismantling systems and 40% work time and it reduces repeatedalmost equally important at this stage is testing individual modules often resulting in unnecessary journeys substantiallythat we are learning how the different hours of saved work time. Also ground because the technician is able to find theregions look upon solar PV O&M faults down to 3 MΩ can be easily detected, faults straight away.productivity, allowing us to implement user which makes it a lot easier to find grounddriven innovation and new products for the faults that “have disappeared” when a PV PES: Are there any other advantages,future. There has been some consolidation system e.g. dries up after rain. both in technological terms and for thewithin modules and inverters, but in the customer?O&M market we still see a lot of variation in The instrument has an integrated 1000Vworkflow and methods. cable tester, which means that it can ARA: The instrument is housed in a very transmit signals that can be picked up and tough hard case and weighs about 4 kg.PES: Please tell us about EmaZys heard with a handheld pickup that comes The customer thus gets a lot ofTechnologies new product the Z100 PV with the instrument. This feature reduces possibilities packed in a highly portableAnalyzer. What new technology has the time spent looking for strings under solution. This has been found to be thebeen used in its development? test, which is a substantial problem in the main value for our customers, who often field. PV systems are traded and need to take a lot of equipment to theARA: The Z100 PV Analyzer is a testing repowered. Documentation is not always field.device that can analyse full PV strings, and available, so simply finding the stringdetect a range of common and less through testing can be time consuming. We In terms of technology, it is worthcommon defects. Perhaps most important have solved this problem for most cases. mentioning that impedance measurementsof all, this instrument can actually measure are useful for analysis down to very lowthe position of a range of solar PV system The string impedance test can quickly irradiation levels. It means that typicalfaults such a ground faults, broken perform a full diagnosis and give the critical PV system faults can be found inconnectors, module disconnects and condition of the string, whilst also returning cloudy weather. The O&M season ismodules with bypass diode malfunctions or the isolation resistance (RISO) and the therefore a lot longer when the servicedegraded cells. The core technology is voltage (VOC). This makes it possible to team uses the Z100 PV Analyzer. It isimpedance measurements in a broad find suspicious strings before they become beneficial for O&M companies as they nofrequency interval. This means that the problematic and lose performance. longer need to wait until spring to checkinstrument is “actively” transmitting small systems. Conventional PV testing is oftensignals into the PV system during testing. For the periodic ground faults, typically limited to days with at least 700 W/m2 ofThis approach is very untraditional, since occurring in the morning, we have integrated irradiation. The Z100 PV Analyzer worksmost conventional test apparatus records a timer function. In this way the instrument fine at just above 100 W/m2, so basicallyvoltage and current measurements. Such may be momentarily installed at the string to it’s more flexible and service visits don’tdata are good for performance testing, but perform a ground fault position test every 15 need to be cancelled, or journeys toit is rarely diagnostic if a PV system is not minutes for e.g. 24 hours. This normally customers made in vain because theperforming to its specifications. Impedance catches any periodic ground faults and helps weather suddenly changes.data reveals what is causing the energy to eliminate the need for repeated driving.loss in the PV system.The data measured by the Z100 PVAnalyzer is analysed by the on-boardcomputer and the result is sent via Wi-Fi tothe user’s smart device. From the smartdevice the test results are typically sharedto a cloud immediately, so that ourcustomers can track the work in detail. Theactual output on the user screen is howevergreatly simplified stating the type and theposition of the fault. The skills needed tomeasure the position of ground faults anddisconnects using the Z100 PV Analyzercan be learnt in 3 minutes. www.pessolar.com 77

ASK THE EXPERTS“According to SolarPower Europe the solar PVmarket keeps growing faster than any expertis really able to predict and the latest “highscenario” prediction is up to 700 GW of globalinstalled PV capacity by 2020”The Z100 sets up a Wi-Fi hotspot that you This was quite a discovery and we are now need to be an engineer to use it. In generallog on to with e.g. your smart phone. From beginning to develop more features. all customers appreciate that the Z100 PVhere you simply operate the instrument Analyzer works well in bad weather and thatusing a browser. We know this is a new Also we are working with industry experts it can actually measure the position of PVapproach but times are changing fast and such as Kenergy and Zenit solar, to test system faults.we believe that the customer should be new features before they are launched onable to use his favourite device to control to the market. From a technical point of view our solutionthe Z100. We created a simple interface may be applied to almost any PV systemthat requires a minimum of initialisation and The close relationship with experts and due to the very high level of modularity andusually most customers figure out how it research has really paved the way for conformity we see in solar PV systems. Inworks within minutes. innovation in our company. this way we can help almost any industry professional who is looking for a faster wayPES: How important are O&M solutions PES: Geographically speaking, where to find PV faults and a flexible way toand improved productivity to EmaZys? are your key markets and do you have service their customers. any plans for expansion into otherARA: As a matter of basic company areas? The typical pattern is that larger O&Mphilosophy, we emphasise the importance companies work on contracts, where aof constantly exploring productivity and Arne Pedersen: The Z100 PV Analyzer was certain power plant yield will result intechnological possibilities. The focus has initially introduced in Scandinavia and then economic rewards. We help theseshifted from more and more PV systems to later mainly in Germany, Italy and United companies work faster and hence reachOperations and Maintenance, especially in Kingdom. It is a step-by-step process to contract goals at minimum cost. Otherthe European PV industry. The changing setup distribution, but currently we are also customers may be technical advisors orpolitical landscapes mean that PV O&M in beginning to move in to Taiwan and Japan. module manufacturers who are looking forEurope is now becoming a booming The latter two are areas of tremendous a handy solution that can be checked in asindustry, despite an increasingly global growth and potential, so there is a lot of hand luggage and used in almost anymarket. There is more attention to asset optimism from partners in this region. The weather and able to distinguish moduleoptimisation, plant performance ratio and EU market is special since there is a big faults and typical system faults in cables,cost-effective decisions. The market is need for improved solar PV operations and RISO faults etc. that hinder optimumdeveloping towards a future with smart maintenance, but at the same time the system performance.O&M strategies, new technology and political landscape has changed quite a bit,integrated solutions with entrepreneurs, key so in some regions we see variations in the PES: What are your thoughts aboutdevelopers and service providers leading optimism. prospects for 2016 and moving into 2017the way. Thus for EmaZys it is important to with regard to your organisation and thebe a part of this development and stay There is a strong PV growth in the US, and solar/PV industry in general?close to the new opportunities. California seems to be leading new exciting business models within residential and ARA: According to SolarPower EuropePES: We have read about EmaZys’ close utility PV. Therefore we see a big potential (who recently released PV Market Outlookcooperation with research institutes for our technology in the US and it will be 2015-2020) the solar PV market keepssuch as Aalborg University and DTU pursued. growing faster than any expert is really ablephotonics how does this work and what to predict and the latest “high scenario”are the benefits? PES: Which is the main target group for prediction is up to 700 GW of global you currently? Are we talking utility - installed PV capacity by 2020. ThisARA: We are involved in several R&D scale, commercial or residential? corresponds to several billion individualprojects. We have been able to pursue new solar panels, which basically, all needideas with Aalborg University and DTU and AP: We actually service all of those industry maintenance. We see this as an opportunityemploy a number of students, which has segments, but you may see slightly to expand our business and become angiven us unique insights that we can use in different value propositions among these active player in more markets. It would beour products. Recently we confirmed that customers. Some like the mobility and great to get in contact with more salesour core technology “impedance testing” power of the instrument. Other customers partners from the US and South America,can actually be used for detection of emphasise the digital setup where data can so that we can start to market the productdifferent kinds of solar panel degradation. be shared as they are measured. Others together. again, highlight the fact that the instrument is easy to operate, which means you don’t www.emazys.com78 PES Solar

ASK THE EXPERTS www.pessolar.com 79

CORPORATE FOCUSPyranometers –the next generation100 years ago, the world was introduced to the first generation of pyranometers. Thesethermal hemispherical viewing devices measured the irradiance of the sun on a horizontalsurface. Since that first generation, small design changes have been made to improve thisstate of the art technology. However, all of those changes have been incremental; smallchanges, yielding small improvements. An entirely new design was needed to make majorimprovements. EKO Instruments recently made some very big improvements to thepyranometer design. The new MS-80 Secondary Standard Typical ISO secondary standard sensors (highest class sensor) pyranometer have a response time of a few seconds with performs at a level never seen before. some of the faster models approaching Using unique detector technology and times of 3 seconds. The MS-80 has a sensor architecture EKO has pushed the response time of <0.5 s @ 95%. This is performance in a way no one could have roughly an order of magnitude improvement predicted. This single dome sensor is less over the previous technologies. In having a expensive to produce, when these savings smaller and better detector, EKO realised are transferred to the customer, combined changes in the sensor architecture were with the enhanced performance, the result now possible. The traditional design was to is the best performing sensor in its class have the blackened hot junctions of the with a low cost of ownership. thermopile on the surface of the instrument, only covered with a hemispherical dome or Why a new detector and with new two. This practice helped protect the architecture? detector as well as being a way to reduce the thermal offset effects. While there are silicon photodiode radiometers that respond very quickly to EKO embedded the detector within the changes in irradiance, the uncertainty in the sensor body and placed a high quality measurements is rather high. quartz diffuser over the detector. This Meteorologists, as well as the photovoltaic diffuser not only enables coverage of the (PV) industry, needed a sensor that had a entire spectral range but also allows a true time constant more similar to the changing cosine response and a 180° field of view. atmosphere and not to have smoothing PV This is an important issue as these sensors power data because of a slow detector. will not be imparting errors in the data at low sun angles. The detector being beneath80 PES Solar

CORPORATE FOCUSMS-80 with STR-22 Sun-Tracker for diffuse irradiance measurementthe surface allows now for a thermally MS-80 and MV-01 ventilation/heating unitisolated design. As mentioned earlier, thethermal effects seen in all other sensors arenow negligible with the MS-80. This is a realtriumph as the previous methods forcombating this thermal effect was to useexpensive outer domes such as quartz orsapphire. While this design seemed ratherpromising, the cost is simply too high todeploy these expensive sensors in any realmonitoring capacity.5 years WarrantyWhile thermally isolating the detector, EKOwas also able to isolate the detector fromchanges in pressure, humidity and thanksto the diffuser, the effects from UVdegradation. These improvements combineto create a very stable design. So stable infact that EKO has removed the desiccantcartridge. Now, field personnel no longerneed to plan trips to the field, just monitorthe desiccant. The calibration sensitivityvalue is guaranteed by EKO and backed upby ISO 17025 accreditation. There is no driftoutside of 0.5% of the original calibration www.pessolar.com 81

CORPORATE FOCUSMS-80 on test in Cedar City Utahvalue for at least 5 years. These are Celsius. This is very important for the Headquarters:impressive and powerful statements. The users working in high latitude or highMS-80 gives users a greater confidence elevation areas. EKO Instruments Co., Ltd.over longer periods of time, removing most 1-21-8, Hatagaya, Shibuya-Kuof the stress and cost of maintaining a Before the previous best practices explained Tokyo 151-0072monitoring network. that the ventilators should be used to reduce Japan thermal offsets of older sensors. The MS-80 E-mail: [email protected] meteorologist tend to be very good at not experiencing any of these offsets, Web: www.eko.co.jpelectronics and data acquisition, that is not primarily uses the ventilator to remove dew, Phone: +81-3-3469-6713always to case for all users. To make the frost, or dust from the single dome.MS-80 available to more applications and European Sales Office:users, multiple signal interfaces were made. www.eko-eu.com EKO Instruments Europe B.V.Whether you need a small DC voltage Lulofsstraat 55, Unit 32output, or a current loop output, or even a About EKO Instruments 2521 AL, Den HaagModbus output, the MS-80 can be ordered Netherlandswith the needed electronics installed by the Established in Tokyo in 1927, EKO Email: [email protected], to give the user the flexibility to Instruments offers a unique range of Web: www.eko-eu.comhave the data they need. These converters high precision broadband and spectral Phone: +31 (0)703050117are not the end of the flexible MS-80 radiometers, as well as various I-Vdesign. While data transmission and fidelity measurement devices for the evaluation American Sales Office:are important, making measurements in of photovoltaic components, systems, EKO Instruments USA Inc.harsh environments is important as well. To and energy plants. 95 South Market Street, Suite 300accomplish this, EKO designed a heated CA 95113, San Joseventilator, the MV-01 for the MS-80. All products are manufactured with a United States high emphasis on quality, innovation Email: [email protected] ventilator uses very low power and creativity. EKO Instruments is also a Web: www.eko-usa.comtechnology. While supplying 12VDC, the center of competence offering know- Phone: +1 408 977 7751heater element only draws 7 W and the how and customized services for theventilator draws a very low 2 W. However, photovoltaic industry and instrumentaldo not think these low numbers imply poor meteorology on an outstandingperformance. Competitive ventilators may scientific level.only raise the ambient temperature movingacross the sensor by one degree Celsius. EKO is also the only solar sensorThe MS-80 can increase the ambient air manufacturer having its own ISO17025temperature to between 4 and 5 degrees accredited testing laboratory for the calibration of pyranometers and pyrheliometers.82 PES Solar



CORPORATE FOCUSSimply recyclingwith lightWords: Dr. Wolfram Palitzsch, Loser Chemie GmbHLoser Chemie is developing high quality, cutting edge brought the Loser group in to therecycling technology especially for the photovoltaic photovoltaic industry.industry. The recycling of this waste is important froma political, economic and environmental perspective. LC is aware that in the future natural resources such as water or metals maybe Loser Chemie GmbH (LC) was a chemical in short supply and therefore recycling is company whose main business was in the most advisable end-of-life strategy water chemistry. Recently Mr. Loser and a way to save raw materials from being restructured his company. He founded a wasted now. holding company and sold the aluminium and barium chemistry sections. In order to It is undisputed that unquestionable build and run a photovoltaic recycling benefits come along with photovoltaic turnkey system he bought a plant systems. The emission of greenhouse-gas engineering company – TESOMA GmbH. from the manufacturing process is insignificant compared to the lifetime Loser believes that you can only expect a greenhouse-gas savings after installation first-class solution from a specialist. Thus and electricity production. This green Tesoma has established a reputation for electricity displaces our dirtiest energy providing precisely that, especially in the sources. This is why the photovoltaic handling of flat glass. The company ranks industry is undergoing remarkable growth. as an international market leader when it Global solar PV installations are soon comes to drying and fixing. Tesoma expected to reach a cumulative capacity develops and manufactures their dryer of 200 GW , which will see solar producing systems in exclusive cooperation with JRT more energy than 30 coal or nuclear plants Photovoltaics. The highest precision and combined and will help save over 100 optimised processes allow mean minimal million tons of the greenhouse-gas, CO2, breakage when producing solar wafers. annually. Partnering with qualified market leaders gives the competitive edge along with the But every gigawatt of photovoltaic capacity maximum possible potential for represents up to 10 million photovoltaic photovoltaic modules. This venture has panels, corresponding to billions of photovoltaic panels already installed worldwide. Not forgetting that every PV panel will meet its end of life (EOL) someday and become PV scrap. There is a looming and invisible tidal wave of EOL-PV84 PES Solar

CORPORATE FOCUS Picture 1. Thin film photovoltaic scrapmodules from homeowners and power afford to wait for the inevitable tidal wave of scrap is glass, see picture 1 for anplants, which will not show up for the next PV waste before beginning to address this example of thin film photovoltaic waste.20 years or so. That´s the expectation, but problem and we already have to handle The cost of the recycling dependsis not the reality. It is not enough to make a plenty of scrap now. Without economic primarily on how much money you cangraph showing installation forecasts over and ecologic recycling programs, defective generate for secondary raw material25 years just because it is assumed that the and decommissioned (also EOL) solar PV glass. This is also the decisive criterionmodules will last 25 years. It is well known equipment will enter the waste stream. for the recycling route we chose. Usuallythe high demand meant that some bought It will end up in landfills (where toxic two different grades of glass are used inlower grade B or C modules at lower prices compounds can leach into groundwater) one thin film photovoltaic module - frontdespite visible defects. This and many other or incinerators (where burning can release glass and rear glass. The front glass is ofreasons explain the increased demand for toxic compounds into the air). high quality, because it is also iron free. Itrecycling that we are experiencing. is obvious, that a pure-grade secondaryApparently photovoltaic modules that have It is well known that a number of rare material of front glass has more value asbeen installed for ten years or less are metals combined typically only represent a mixture with the ferrous back glass.beginning to fail, showing delamination, hot 1% of the mass of a photovoltaic panel, Contrary to conventionalspots, disconnected cells etc. their value is significant. Indium, selenium, tellurium, gallium, molybdenum, cadmium Picture 2. Sorted front glass after the recyclingThe efficiency has also changed over time but also silver and silicon are some of the procedure ready for selling into the flat glassand many manufacturers have exited the major elements used in these photovoltaic industrymarket. This means that replacing defective cells. But the biggest part of the wastemodules may not be a seamless process consists of glass. This glass is an importanteven with warranties being honoured. secondary raw material.The need to address end-of-life issues early Why?in the design stage of the product is alsoclearly illustrated by the history of the 1 ton of cullet (picture 2) replaces 850 kg ofelectronics industry. Loser Chemie cannot sand, which would have to be quarried and when processing 1 ton of cullet less “The efficiency has 255-300 kg CO2 are emitted. also changed over In addition a lot of energy is saved, since time and many the melting point of glass cullet is much manufacturers” lower than the raw material mixture of sand, limestone and other mineral additives. So, at first, we focused on the glass because most of the thin film photovoltaic www.pessolar.com 85

CORPORATE FOCUS “We yielded a very high quality glass that can be used for float glass production”Pictures 3-6. Showing the laser treatment in lab starts because the semiconductor materials Picture 8. Yielded Indium from thin film photovoltaicscale and how easily the sandwich is opened should become more accessible to a liquid. scraptechnology, like shredding, we do not It does not matter how big the pieces are at solution. On the other hand, there are manybreak the glass. Using technology from the end. For single-coated, large-area players in the sector who are justthe field of optical nanotechnology it has material such as foils or glass plates with observing. It is a waiting game. But webeen possible to fully open the sandwich evaporated metals or semiconductors, are sure that with the first run of ourstructure, without damaging the glass, dipping in a bath is sufficient. industrial thin film photovoltaic recyclingsee pictures 3-6. plant our technology will be convincing To dissolve both the semiconductor and the and our reputation and trust in us willThe semiconductor containing photovoltaic silver we use a combination of organo- grow. Soon there will be legal constraintsscrap has to be opened (see also picture 7) sulfuric acid (OSA) and hydrogen peroxide. in Germany, at least. It started with thebefore the hydrometallurgical treatment German “Kreislaufwirtschaftsgesetz” (a Benefits in practical applications come, for law encouraging closed-loop economy) example, from their non-oxidizing nature, which requires a maximum quota of the high solubility of their salts, the recycling – and a minimum use of absence of colour and odour and the fact resources (e.g. energy, raw materials) and that they are readily biodegradable. it will finish with the WEEE. In short, we Consequently, OSA´s are becoming are starting at the right time. increasingly important in a number of applications and industries. We yielded a very high quality glass that can be used for float glass production (picture 2) but also we are able to produce for example Indium from CIGS/CIS thin films (picture 8). We have very active PV manufacturing companies supporting and collaborating with us to develop the best possible Picture 7. Open the sandwich after laser treatment www.loserchemie.de86 PES Solar [1] calculates Bundesverband Solarwirtschaft e.V. (BSW-Solar), http:// www.solarwirtschaft.de/presse/ pressemeldungen/pressemeldungen-im- detail/news/photovoltaik-200-gigawatt- installiert.html [24.04.2016] [2] http://de.saint-gobain-glass.com/de/ umwelt/waste-cullet.htm [28.04.2016]

CORPORATE FOCUS www.pessolar.com 87

TALKING POINTStoring the sunWords: Jayesh Goyal, Chief Commercial Officer, YounicosWith both PV and battery costs in equally steady and spectacular decline, solarphotovoltaics (PV) plus storage is generating a lot of attention. Indeed, with PV bidscoming in at record lows in both sunny ($0.03/kWh in Morocco and Dubai) and not-so-sunny regions (¤0.08 in Germany), storing the power of the sun is becoming an attractivebusiness case, if not to say a “no-brainer.” Jayesh Goyal Nonetheless, I’d like to make the case for has become such a commodity market that some cranial activity, because a closer some suppliers want to provide storage88 PES Solar analysis of developments could help simply to promote the obvious benefits that prevent making rash decisions that might it provides. Whether or not the storage will harm your bottom line. At the same time, a actually deliver over a project’s 20+ year thorough understanding of both the lifespan seems of secondary importance. economic and technological drivers of this rapidly emerging space will enable you to There is a second, much more important choose the best setup for your business element to consider. Markets that have and energy needs. already integrated a high share of renewables are starting to see the value of Adding storage is trending the additional services that generation plants can provide, such as more stable Today, we see a number of PV technology output. Moreover, utilities are actually players trying to add storage to their beginning to require that some storage package. Often, they do this to differentiate - although not large quantities of it, due to themselves in the competitive solar market, the expense for PV tenders. While utilities even if a bid does not require storage. PV

TALKING POINT “Before storage, C&I customers were forced to either feed in most of their PV or limit it to a fraction of their actual energy needs” Jayesh Goyalmay have been willing to pay $70 /MWh for our intelligent software controls). Secondly, without complication, however, as locala PV plant with no storage, they may now a smart system configuration only regulations often do not allow you tooffer up to $90 or $100 /MWh - if the plant maximises project life, but also enables provide system services if you’re behindhas firm power and additional benefits. revenue stacking and reduces payback. the meter.Such a premium by the utility or grid Oftentimes, it is most attractive to Even if precluded from participating in theoperator is clearly a strong driver of PV plus participate in ancillary services markets, in ancillary services market, C&I customersstorage. Also having the ability to shift the particular, enhanced frequency response. can leverage storage in other ways - mostgeneration profile - at least a little - may Depending on the regulatory environment, significantly through demand chargehelp to realise additional revenues. providing voltage control, black start reduction. For example the basic cost ofFurthermore, storage may allow you to do capability and a set of other critical system being connected to the German grid cansome arbitrage by charging batteries at services may also increase appeal. In many run as high as €75,000 a year for eachnight - when there may be cheap power jurisdictions, you may also be eligible for megawatt of installed capacity, regardlessavailable - and then using this power when capacity payments if you have a control of how often it is used. Due to peaks init is really needed, i.e., during peak time. strategy or software that will guarantee that industrial processes, however, many you can generate as needed. megawatts of installed capacity go unusedMore sophisticated solutions emerge most of the time. Such peaks in demand Commercial & Industrial applications could easily be met from storage, especiallyThose are the more straightforward benefits since they are generally predictable. With aof combining PV with battery storage. Of There is a similar trend in the smaller scale lifetime of at least ten years, this alone wouldcourse, whether these benefits are actually Commercial and Industrial (C&I) sector, but cover the capital cost.enough to justify the additional investment with some important distinctions. Many C&Idepends strongly on: a) the associated customers see the falling costs of PV and Whether C&I, utility or Independent Powercost, but even more crucially b) whether batteries and would like to become greener, Producer (IPP), the bottom line is this: tostorage will actually deliver over a project’s which includes getting more of their power have an edge in this space and to make thelifetime - both technically and economically. from renewable energy sources. For the business case work effectively, you need first time, the PV plus storage combination multiple applications. Even with today’sThis is where more sophisticated solutions allows them to cover a significant share of prices, just one application for somethinghave the opportunity to prove their worth, their energy needs from self-generated, like load shifting will rarely be enough. At atwo-fold. First, they guarantee full system clean sources. minimum, in most cases you will need to doavailability for ten years and longer, if load shifting in addition to some ancillaryintegrated with tried-and-tested software Before storage, C&I customers were forced services - and then combine the revenueand controls (Younicos has received up to to either feed in most of their PV or limit it to streams from all of those to make the model20-year performance warranties from a fraction of their actual energy needs. worthwhile.leading manufacturers on the strength of Now, however, they can economically use a much larger share of their self-produced Of course, implementing a successful power and implement storage to shift the process that handles multiple applications, power load. This results in a decreased without risking that the batteries will run demand for energy from either empty or full and treating the actual the grid, as well as a reduced annual cells properly to ensure they can live out energy bill. their potential life, requires sophisticated software and controls. In some cases, C&I customers may also be able to add revenues by competing in the ancillary services market. This is not www.pessolar.com 89

TALKING POINT “We have worked with a variety of battery the market - this one specifically manufacturers, which puts us in a good concerning batteries. Today, most storage systems being offered have relatively shortposition to help clients determine the right duration. However, as the market advances, battery for their needs” some of the larger systems will soon require more depth of storage. A PV plant that Jayesh Goyal requires four hours of storage definitely requires different battery chemistry thanAhead of our time – and our competitors to develop new product designs that that used for an enhanced frequency optimise battery performance, leading to application. The relationship of power toIt will come as no surprise to readers that new storage opportunities. One recent energy will be different, meaning that yousuch sophistication is one of our trademarks example is compact containerised systems will have to look beyond much of theat Younicos. In 2005 we were already that incorporate batteries, inverters and lithium-based solutions offered today. Inlooking into smart code as well as smart control software that can essentially act as a fact, many have already started to considersystem integration. Therefore we can now 2-hour “grid-in-a-box,” performing a variety other options, such as flow batteries.supply valuable experience and expertise. of functions. Our plug-and-play Y.Cube is a good example of this. This type of We have worked with a variety of batteryWe helped pioneer the enhanced frequency standardised package can also enable manufacturers, which puts us in a goodresponse business case by building innovative thermal management approaches position to help clients determine the rightEurope’s first, commercial battery plant for to get the most from the integrated system. battery for their needs. “Is this a PV plusthe German utility WEMAG. This installation, It also satisfies the requirements of a storage application where I may needin northeastern Germany, has successfully commodity market to focus on availably a lower c-rate battery?” “What if I needprovided primary frequency regulation for and scalability. a quick discharge?” These are questionstwo years. We also helped demonstrate the you should consider when choosing andtechnical and commercial viability of revenue Another key to success in this evolving optimising the battery you use.stacking by providing the software and market, we believe, is having deep industrycontrols for the Smarter Network Storage insights and the right partnerships. We are Of course, one solution may be the hybrid(SNS) trial for British DSO UKPN. fortunate to count PV industry leader, First battery, which combines two different cell Solar, as one of our investors and strategic chemistries but is “visible” as just one “ACPerhaps most importantly, we successfully partners. We believe that there are some battery” to the grid. Again, that’s somethingoptimised an entire microgrid for PV plus inherent advantages to working closely with we have already successfullystorage (plus wind and conventional solar providers. It makes it much easier to demonstrated, both in our technologyback-up power) in the development of the develop the right solution for each type of centres and at Duke Energy’s Notrees,world’s first clean-power-based microgrid customer and the appropriate sizing or, put Texas, wind farm, where we enhanced theon the Azorean island of Graciosa. In the more simply, the best offer. Of course, in a original advanced lead-acid system withprocess, we also developed the world’s first rapidly evolving space, cooperating with lithium-ion cells.grid-forming battery, which actually enables solar companies affords us greater visibilitythe system to run on renewables alone. into market deals that we may not have had Even if solar plus storage is increasingly otherwise. a no-brainer, putting some thought intoFactors for success in the current market both the actual solution and its planning Speaking of evolution, I’d like to make one will most certainly be worth your while!The declining costs and improving energy last point on the continuing development ofdensity of battery racks have led suppliers www.younicos.com90 PES Solar



ASK THE EXPERTSPyranometer innovatorsKees van den Bos, Director of Hukseflux Thermal Sensors, dropped in to PES to tell usabout the latest developments in solar radiation sensors and the quest to takemeasurement to the next level. We started off by talking about how it all started... Kees van den Bos PES: Welcome to PES Solar/PV dominated our R&D efforts. Now we are the magazine. It’s great to talk with you. technology leader in pyranometers and the92 PES Solar Would you like to begin by explaining a fastest growing company in this market. little about the background of your Most of our pyranometers end up in organisation and how you currently monitoring systems, in PV power plants serve the solar/PV industry? bigger than 1 MW. Kees van den Bos: Hukseflux Thermal PES: You are active in a number of Sensors is a leading manufacturer of solar industry sectors. How important is the radiation sensors. We have one core solar/PV business to Hukseflux? purpose: to take measurement to the next level. Hukseflux was founded in 1993. It KvdB: The PV sector now contributes started with the idea that there is a need for around 30 % to our turnover. sensor specialists. The founder Eric Hoeksema is an industrial designer and I PES: Is solar/PV a growing business have a background in physics. We started area for you? How are you capitalising off making heat flux sensors for on this growth? meteorology and building physics. The company organically grew in terms of both KvdB: Over the last 2 years the PV industry products and personnel. We now employ has been the largest contributor to around 40 people. Hukseflux’ growth. This growth allows us to invest further in product development. At KvdB: In 2007 we came out with a relatively the same time, the increasing numbers simple solar radiation sensor, a make it possible to attain a better level of pyranometer, aiming for the meteorological quality at a lower cost. We believe the PV market. Soon parties from the PV industry market will develop even more and that the started to approach us; this took us need for monitoring will increase. The somewhat by surprise and we didn’t then customer will get higher performance for have the high-grade instruments necessary less money. This growth also means that for good PV system performance we can invest in expanding our worldwide monitoring. Since 2010 the PV market has calibration and servicing organisation.

ASK THE EXPERTS “PV monitoring is an essential building block of the industry, which will become ever more accurate and at the same time more affordable. This is not a contradiction” Kees van den BosPV system performance monitoring with Huksefluxpyranometers, measuring GHI and POAPES: Can you tell us about the both POA and GHI measurement and also the pyranometer away from the powerimportance of sensors for solar the exact model that you use is plant: time consuming and relatively costly.radiation measurement and the independent of the PV cell type and glass At present, many organisations do nottechnology used for this? coating employed in the PV plant. recalibrate within the recommended 2 year Reference cells are not suitable for GHI time interval. Pressure from the IEC andKvdB: The basic principle is very simple: measurement and need to “match” the asset managers will change this.with pyranometers you measure the exact cell type, including glass reflective It is interesting to see that the USA, whereincoming radiation. Installed in Plane of coating, of the PV plant. we are the market leader with ourArray, POA is the maximum attainable yield instruments for monitoring large PV powerof the PV system in Watts per installed PES: We believe there are to be new plants, is taking the lead in this respect. Insquare meter. This is a good point of standards for solar radiation our opinion, the US market is truly the mostreference for the analysis of system measurement and PV monitoring, how professional now. US asset managersefficiency. Installed horizontally you will this affect you and also the end realise that the instrument costs over theirmeasure Global Horizontal Irradiance, GHI. user? lifetime will be dominated by calibrationThis is a good point of reference for costs. They prefer our product becausecomparison with the local met office or KvdB: Some 10 years ago solar radiation when you purchase a Huksefluxnational weather service, with satellite data measurement was primarily used by pyranometer you also gain access to anor data from other PV plants. meteorologists and the scientific efficient calibration and servicing community. Also use of PV was not truly organisation. We have calibration supportSystem efficiency monitoring serves several money-driven. Now PV has rapidly become in the larger economies: USA, China,purposes. An obvious example: if efficiency an integral part of the power industry and it Japan, EU, India and Brazil. Plus we worksuddenly drops from one day to the next, is treated like a commercial investment. We with partners in many of the smalleryou can take action to analyse what’s going see that asset managers increasingly insist economies.on. But also the long-term record of system that the PV system monitoring is done byefficiency serves as one of the indicators independent parties, not those involved in An efficient worldwide calibration organisationdetermining the PV systems’ worth. We see the daily operation. The power industry andthat asset managers push for higher asset managers are pushing foraccuracy. Our main growth is in high- standardisation at all levels. The ISO andaccuracy, secondary standard class, ASTM are working on new standards forpyranometers. Instruments made according uncertainly evaluation of solar radiationto this standard are individually tested, for measurement. IEC is revising its 61724example, for their temperature and standard on PV monitoring. Above all thedirectional responses during new standards will offer more clarity onmanufacturing. If you want to measure what class of instruments to use and howlong-term system degradation in the range to estimate measurement uncertainty.of 1 to 2 % per year, you need instruments Hukseflux is an active member of the ASTMto be more accurate and stable. Secondary working group that is addressing evaluationstandard pyranometers are, in our opinion, of measurement uncertainty.the only ones meeting that requirement. PES: Currently what part doesAnother example: the GHI measurement maintenance and calibration play in ourmay be used to compare your total yearly market?irradiance with historical records of thenational weather service to see how the KvdB: Part of the new IEC standardisationtotal solar radiation that year compared will be a recommendation for the calibrationto others. interval. The calibration of pyranometers, basically a verification of the measurementFor practical reasons pyranometers are instrument accuracy, is not easy for users.preferred to the competing technology of Contrary to most system components thatPV reference cells; they are suitable for you can check on-site, you have to send www.pessolar.com 93

ASK THE EXPERTS“Over the last years our mainmarkets have been the USA andthe EU. We are now seeing a risein demand in India and China”Pyranometer application example: indoor solar exposure testing Hukseflux Thermal Sensors headquarters in Delft, the NetherlandsPES: Is data availability important in PES: Geographically speaking, where PES: You said that you invested in yoursolar radiation measurement, please are the key markets for Hukseflux and calibration and servicing department. Iscan you expand on this and your do you have any plans for expansion into there any news on your productsolutions? other areas? portfolio?KvdB: Talking of measurement uncertainty KvdB: Hukseflux is already active KvdB: Yes, certainly. We released the SR05in an outdoor environment, there are worldwide. Our main customers are pyranometer earlier this year, an affordablesituations when the instrument does not specialised monitoring companies. These sensor that is easy to install in small PVwork within its rated operating conditions. companies might order from the EU or the systems. Now we will launch a newFor example, a regular pyranometer with USA, but the instruments end up all over secondary standard pyranometer: SR30.dew deposition on its dome will not the world. Over the last years our main Our engineers have succeeded in givingcorrectly measure the solar radiation. There markets have been the USA and the EU. SR30 unique features to attain the highestis no standard vocabulary for this situation, We are now seeing a rise in demand in India measurement accuracy and databut we at Hukseflux say that there is no and China. availability, whilst having a surprisinglydata availability then. You might also say small footprint. It adheres to the upcomingthat its uncertainty is very large or mark it PES: Which aspect of the industry standards. We are very excited about theseas “unreliable”. The traditional standardised provides the most satisfaction for you next level pyranometers.operating practices say that ventilation of a right now?pyranometer is a good solution. What these PES: What are your thoughts aboutstandards do not mention is that this KvdB: What I like is that the industry really prospects for the rest of 2016 withventilation is effective only if the air is “pulls”, that it asks for innovation, new regard to your organisation and thedust-free, and that you have to regularly product features, new services. solar/PV industry in general?clean and change filters. For traditionalpyranometer users, in science and PES: And conversely, what presents you KvdB: We keep a close eye on themeteorological institutes, this is no with the biggest challenges? worldwide PV markets and find it veryproblem, but for the cost-over-lifetime- unpredictable, mostly depending on localconscious PV industry we think it is not a KvdB: We have invested a lot in making tax policies that often only receivegood enough solution. We therefore products with better data availability, easier last-minute confirmation. Huksefluxdeveloped heated instruments, which is to calibrate and service and also in our believes in the usefulness and long-termeffective both against dew and frost but at worldwide calibration and servicing growth of PV monitoring. It is an essentiala lot lower power consumption and without organisation. We sometimes find it difficult industry building block, which will becomethe need to change filters. Having said that, to convince all involved parties to put cost ever more accurate and at the same timeinstrument cleaning remains necessary at over lifetime and data availability on the more affordable. This is not a contradiction.fixed intervals, certainly in environments agenda. The purchasing is not always in We, the Hukseflux organisation, do our bestwith dust and snow. the hands of the party that operates the to make this possible. PV system. Our challenge is to convince the purchaser to take these benefits www.hukseflux.com into account.94 PES Solar

ASK THE EXPERTS www.pessolar.com 95

ASK THE EXPERTSLeading invertersEleonora Denna, Product Marketing Manager for Environmental Solution Business EMEA,Omron, explains to PES about their commitment to the PV business. Omron are in manymarkets world-wide with their inverters. The company moves with the times, adjusting tonew demands. The Omron inverter was chosen for the Antalya Football Arena. It is anexciting time for them… Eleonora Denna PES: Welcome to PES Solar/PV ED: Omron is strongly committed to the PV magazine. Thanks for talking with us. business, which has different priorities from96 PES Solar Would you like to begin by explaining a country to country: Italy and Spain, for little about the background of your example, are mature markets where O&M organisation and how you currently opportunities are quite strong and new serve the solar/PV industry? solar installations have tailed off. In these countries “revamping” is a strategic issue Eleonora Denna: Thanks for this question, and Omron, as one of the inverter which gives me the opportunity to give you producers who are still on the market, a picture of Omron, a worldwide market assists those plants where the other leader for automation components, with inverter manufacturers failed. revenues of 6.1 billion euros and offices all over the world The company is strongly In other countries the solar business is committed to research and innovation, growing, with new, big plants. An example of investing 6% of the revenue every year in this is Turkey, where the total annual R&D. Omron has been producing and insolation time is 2.737 hours, (a total of 7.5 selling photovoltaic inverters since 1994 hours per day) and the grid is capable of and over the twenty years has sold more supporting solar PV growth with no problem. than one million. The Omron inverter was chosen for Antalya Football Arena, one of the highest capacity We are a market leader in the solar solar systems on a Stadium, aiming to make business in Japan, where the residential the Guinness Records. sector is continuing a positive development. Omron Environmental Solution Business in PES: Please tell us about the importance Europe, with headquarters in the of Omron’s industrial automation in Netherlands, is in charge of Omron PV becoming a market leader. business in the EMEA Market (Europe, Middle East and Africa), with the main focus ED: Industrial Automation is our main in Italy, Spain and emerging solar markets, expertise and is the base of our success in such as Benelux, Ukraine, Poland, Turkey, the PV sector. As an example, at the top Lebanon and South Africa. Omron’s experience, designing sensing technology for different sectors is industrial PES: Is solar/PV a growing business automation. This was crucial when area for Omron? How are you developing AICOT controller (Anti Islanding capitalising on this growth? Control Technology). OMRON engineers used a simulation environment to run preliminary tests, reducing time spent on

ASK THE EXPERTS “We have a lot of experience giving in the field support to our customers. This is a must in industrial automation and now the photovoltaics sector also needs special support, mostly in emerging solar markets” Eleonora Denna ANTALYA STADIUM Thanks to AICOT, Omron inverter KP100L ED: We have a lot of experience giving in is compliant with the international standard the field support to our customers. This is athe final integration and test in a real IEC 62116, which defines test procedures must in industrial automation and now theenvironment, where islanding conditions for islanding prevention measures and is a photovoltaics sector also needs specialare either difficult or unsafe to replicate. requirement for Certificate NRS-097-2-1, support, mostly in emerging solar markets. needed in South Africa. This is a must for several reasons, includingAICOT has been adopted as Japan’s official more economically, convenient PVstandard to prevent “Islanding”, the PES: What are the advantages of installations and less bureaucracy.condition in which solar power generation Omron’s industrial automation expertisesystems continue to generate electricity for the customer? We experienced this in a plant in Lebanon,even when electric power supplied by the where frequent electricity cuts make anygrid is interrupted. photovoltaic installations more complex. In this instance Omron’s technical support was very important in adapting the KP100L Inverter to the quality of the grid and its frequent electricity cuts. Other examples come from photovoltaic installations in developing countries; top of the list is South Africa, where not even 1 kWh must reach the grid. In this case our local field application engineer assisted our customer by adapting the existing web based PV monitoring program, the Omron PVremote Pro which is based on Omron PLC (Programmable Logic Controller) CJ2M, to also reduce output power from Omron PV inverters by sending opportune command when PV production overtook local load consumption, constantly measured by Omron Power Monitor Device KM50. Therefore it is possible to design a Zero kWh PV system by using 100% Omron components and with the support of our field application engineers, thus maximising the suitability of PV plant installation. www.pessolar.com 97

ASK THE EXPERTS “We have a significant example of PID recovery in Sicily, Italy, where in less than 6 months an installation operated by Juwi saw the performance ratio reduce from 81% to 49%” Eleonora DennaPES: What technology is used in making it a simple correction for PID losses. ready for all new opportunities. We haveyour inverter? Laboratory test results, as well as a just provided a training course in the documented case history, show the benefits Ukraine, where a Feed in Tariff wasED: The main strength of our inverter is the of these two BoS technologies in preventing introduced once again in June 2015, due toZCC circuit (Zigzag Connected Chopper), and recovering PID in the field, instead of the unstable political situation. We are alsothanks to which the Omron Inverter is having to replace the PV modules. working in South Africa and in Lebanon,capable of maintaining the negative pole of where our technical support is able tothe PV array grounded without the use of We have a significant example of PID adapt our inverters to the local gridan integrated transformer. This circuit recovery in Sicily, Italy, where in less than 6 situation.topology prevents PID (Performance months an installation operated by JuwiInduced Degradation): In recent years, a saw the performance ratio reduce from www.industrial.omron.eu/significant increase of PID occurrences has 81% to 49%. The most downgraded section technoprogetbeen observed in the field, especially for of the plant, the one with 50% reduction,panels installed in tough climatic showed a 50 Watt improvement just one ANTALYA STADIUMenvironments with high humidity, high night after installing the PID box. Sometemperature or close proximity to coastlines months later and after the PID box removal, The plant, with 5600 JA Solar mono-and sea water. the performance ratio was stable over 78%, crystalline modules and 124 Omron thanks to the Omron Inverter which KP100L string inverters, is one of theInverters equipped with Zigzag Connected prevents PID. highest capacity solar systems on aChopper (ZCC) technology, in the DC/AC Stadium, aiming to apply for a Guinnessconversion module, are capable of PES: Geographically speaking, where are Record.maintaining the negative pole of the PV Omron’s key markets and do you havearray grounded without the use of an any plans for expansion into other areas? Due to the full cylindrical form of theintegrated transformer. stadium each panel line is exposed to ED: With reference to the EMEA Market and sunlight from a different angle. In orderWe also have a solution for plants that have the Environmental Solution Business in to obtain maximum performance, thealready experienced performance loss from Europe, our key markets are Italy and system has been designed with smallPID: in these cases we propose a retrofit Spain. In Spain we sold more than 2800 pieces, each one with the Omronstrategy, which is able to restore KP100L, most of them from 2007 to 2010, inverter with 10 kWe output. In this wayperformance to near-factory output rates. It while in Italy, up until now, we have sold each 10 kWe piece runs independentlyis possible to recover modules affected by more than 7280 units. In both countries we and is able to give its best performance.PID, thanks to the latest PID-box are going to replace them when the 5 yeartechnology and then, if required, remove guarantee expires. Annual yield expectation is 2.150.000the PID-box and install our inverter to be kWh, (1,4kWp), which is connected tosure that PID will not reoccur. We are also very active in new PV markets the grid to sell electricity as a 2 x 700 (South Africa, Lebanon, Ukraine, Poland….). kWp non-licensed application for 10This retrofit concept is compatible with all We have 39 sales offices and active sales years over FIT.inverter types and array configurations channels in 22 countries all over Europe,98 PES Solar



PES ESSENTIALMicro gridschange livesMicro grids are having a big impact on remote areas of the increased life in a PSOC setting, Trojan’sworld. Romina Arcamone Garcia, Market Manager, Renewable Smart Carbon also provides improvedEnergy & Backup Power at Trojan Battery Co., LLC explains to charge acceptance and faster recharge ofPES how 24/7 energy is now possible in these areas. batteries in PSOC applications.The establishment of off-grid networks, an important part in implementing a Trojan’s Industrial line of high-capacityalso known as mini grids or micro grids, successful project. flooded batteries is designed to providearound the world is increasing as a way to durable, long lasting energy storage forsupply power to remote towns, villages and Trojan’s Smart Carbon™ Technology microgrids and other large-scale renewableareas that are not connected to the main for PSOC energy systems. Engineered specifically toelectric grid, or only have access to support microgrid applications, with large dailyelectricity a few hours a day. As the world’s leading manufacturer of loads, where the batteries are cycled regularly, deep-cycle batteries, Trojan Battery Co. the Industrial line is available in five sizes toBattery-based microgrid systems ensure has expanded its renewable energy product provide outstanding cycling performance andthat these areas have access to energy offering, with the development of a full line designed for 17 years of life.24/7, enabling remote communities to of batteries, designed for renewable energyoperate lighting, communications, radios, applications such as microgrids. In addition, Trojan’s Gel line of batteries isTV and other electrical equipment. Access used in microgrids where batteryto these types of devices, play a vital role in Trojan’s Industrial and Premium lines maintenance is difficult. Utilizing aenhancing productivity of local businesses feature Smart Carbon, designed to reduce proprietary gel formulation, Trojan’sand foster the development of commercial the impact of partial state of charge deep-cycle gel batteries provide longeractivities in developing regions of the world. (PSOC). Due to the intermittency of solar cycle life than other gel technologies, generation, or an unstable grid, which are delivering rugged durability and consistentIn addition, battery-based installations needed to recharge batteries in microgrid performance in applications requiringreduce operating costs which diesel- PV installations, batteries often operate at non-spillable, maintenance-free batteries.powered installations face such as the PSOC which quickly diminishes the overallrising costs of fuel consumption, fuel life of the batteries. A variety of Trojan deep-cycle floodedtransportation, and maintenance of diesel batteries, with Smart Carbon and non-generators. Smart Carbon, Trojan’s proprietary paste spillable batteries have been installed to formula, provides improved performance serve as the energy storage component ofOff-grid photovoltaic (PV) networks have when the batteries operate in PSOC, several microgrid projects around theunique power storage requirements due to enhancing overall battery life in off-grid and world. Below are some of the uniquethe varying levels of irradiance, temperature unstable grid applications. Along with microgrids Trojan’s deep-cycle batteriesand sun hours available at a particular are supporting.location. Deep-cycle batteries are keycomponents in PV applications to providereliable energy storage, by improving theoverall performance of microgrids.Microgrid systems require highly reliablebatteries that can last 15 to 20 years in theapplication without the need ofreplacement. One key aspect to considerwhen installing a microgrid is that thecommunities are located in very remoteareas, this means that the componentshave to be carried by boats or people totheir final destination. Transportation is nota minor aspect to consider, access to liftingmachines is very rare, so batteries withrugged cases are the best option. Selectingthe right battery technology and type play100 PES Solar