Page 52 - North American Clean Energy January February 2015

2015 solar buyers guide

PERFORMANCE MONITORING

Stion
The Elevation 4 module utilizes Stion’s proprietary

Circuit Protection System (CPS), which provides
signiicantly improved moisture resistance and
lifetime durability over crystalline silicon mod-

Apogee Instruments, Inc.
ules. This dual-glass frameless module doesn’t
require any grounding. Stion modules provide
Apogee Instruments silicon-cell pyranom-
exceptional energy yield due to an anti-relective
eGauge Systems
eters measure total solar radiation to within
Combining revenue-grade accuracy
coated glass, as well as an industry-leading
BenQ Solar (AUO)
5%, under clear sky conditions. This makes temperature coeficient of -0.26%/°C. All of Stion
BenQ Solar manufactures high-eficiency
with a real-time meter, data logger, and
them a cost-effective alternative to ex-
web server, eGauge offers a unique ap-
modules are made in the USA.
solar modules and other innovative
pensive black-body pyranometers for solar
www.stion.com
renewable energy products for markets
proach to renewable energy monitoring.
applications, including panel performance
Providing users with a product focused
around the world. The PM060M01 Aer
monitoring. Known for their ruggedness,
module series is one of the lightest
on whole-home energy eficiency, it
long-term-stability, and ease of mainte-
measures electrical energy production
framed, 60-cell crystalline module on
and consumption on up to 12 circuits.
nance, Apogee silicon-cell pyranometers
the market—without sacriicing output.
are integrated into many leading industry
The eGuard Manager portal actively
Aer modules weigh in at 23.15 lbs, and
monitors PV installations and prevents
PV systems. Several models with different
have a power rating between 265 W and
outputs are available from Apogee, includ-
failures, proit losses, and customer
Vikram Solar USA
285 W. Lighter modules mean easier
dissatisfaction. With a solid foundation
ing the self-powered SP-110 with a 0-350
installation and reduced mechanical
mV output, as well as ampliied models with
Vikram Solar’s 255 W Clear Frame/White Back-
load for wider application. The BenQ
of dependable hardware, the eGauge is
outputs of 0-2.5 VDC, 0-5 VDC, and 4-20 mA.
sheet Polycrystalline PV Module is made in India,
easily installed, and can be monitored
Solar Aer module series is PID-Free and
Additional custom options are available to
so it’s tariff-free and competitively priced. Made
approved for use in moisture-rich, ammo-
over the web, anytime and anywhere.
integrators, such as custom multipliers, lead
with the quality and reliability expected from a
There’s no software to add, or any ongo- Tier-1 manufacturer, the VSP.60.250.A3 is Vikram
nia-rich, and salinity-rich environments.
lengths, and connectors.
www.benqsolar.com
ing monthly or support fees.
www.apogeeinstruments.com
Solar’s 60-cell workhorse module for residential
www.egauge.net
and commercial rooftop applications. With a PTC
rating exceeding 93%, it is 1000 VDC-rated, with

1000 mm, MC4-compatible connectors.
www.vikramsolar.com

Continental Control Systems
Kipp & Zonen USA
Kipp & Zonen’s new SMP10 pyranometer
Continental Control Systems special-
offers all of the performance advantages
izes in high-accuracy electric power
Waaree Energies Limited
Solar Frontier
of the successful SMP11 model with
monitoring for measuring AC production
Waaree Energies is a solar module manufac-
Solar Frontier’s CIS thin-ilm modules pro-
Smart interface, but without the need to
and/or AC consumption. The company’s
duce more kilowatt-hours per kilowatt- meters and current transformers are de-
turer, offering modules in power classes from
regularly inspect the drying cartridge and
3 Wp to 300 Wp, including a 240 Wp family for
peak in real-world conditions than crys-
change the desiccant. The design of the
signed to provide key electrical system
60-cell modules and a 280 Wp family for 72-cell
talline silicon panels. This is due to four
measurements, including power (kW)
SMP10 enables the internal drying agent
modules. Poly and mono-crystalline modules are
advantages. CIS output is less affected
to last for up to 10 years. In solar energy,
and energy (kWh), through a variety of
available, with eficiencies in excess of 16%.
by heat due to a lower temperature coef-
communication protocols. These include
especially for solar monitoring stations
Waaree Energies’ modules are fully certiied with
icient (-0.31%/K). Good low light perfor-
in remote locations, low maintenance of
revenue-grade BACnet, Modbus, and
IEC, CEC, STQC, MNRE, UL 1703, Intertek, and
mance means CIS has higher energy yield
LonWorks, and as pulse outputs. The
more. They’ve attained superior module eficiency
instruments is a major advantage. When
in the morning and evening, since it re-
the SMP10 is combined with the new
WattNode Revenue, along with the
as per the International Benchmarks for positive
acts to a wider spectrum of light. The CIS
Accu-CT, is ANSI C12.1, as well as PBI,
power tolerance and PID-free modules (with
Kipp & Zonen CVF4 ventilation unit, man-
long-term reliability and glass with anti-relective
light-soaking effect additionally boosts
ual cleaning of the dome is needed less
UL, cUL, and CE Listed.
power output after exposure to sunlight.
www.ccontrolsys.com
coating). They are IP 67-rated, and salt mist, am-
frequently. The swirling airlow reduces
monia, sand, and hail-resistant, and can sustain
The internal circuitry layout also means
soiling and keeps the dome free of dew
heavy wind and snow loads. With MC4 compat-
that CIS can continue to produce energy
and precipitation. SMP10 is the next
ible connectors, Waaree Energies’ modules
under partial shading. These advantages
step in further improving pyranometer
provide excellent performance in low light. They
accuracy and reducing maintenance.
provide a more competitive IRR in real-
come with a ive-year limited product warranty
www.kippzonen.com
world conditions, where it matters.
and a 25-year limited power output.
www.solar-frontier.com
www.waaree.com

52 JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2015
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