BP Solar Signs Agreement With SolarEdge Technologies To Develop PV Power Harvesting System

Published: 27-May-2009

By: Staff Writer Staff Writer Staff Writer

BP Solar International Inc. (BP Solar) has signed an agreement with SolarEdge Technologies Ltd. (SolarEdge Technologies) to develop photovoltaic (PV) module-integrated power harvesting system embedded directly into BP Solar modules. The new solution will improve energy generation throughout the life of the solar power system and reduces complexities and costs. The combined solutions are currently undergoing thermal cycle testing to emulate 25 years of volatile solar field conditions.

The current standard power system architectures and designs may lead to losses of up to 20% or more per solar field in some installations because of module and array mismatch and partial shading. Some other system architectures also lack full monitoring, have suboptimal roof utilization and are weak in fire and maintenance safety, and ineffective in module theft prevention measures.

BP Solar is working to integrate SolarEdge Technologies’ and other active electronics directly into their modules, to achieve improved efficiency.

“We are impressed with the initial performance and reliability tests of SolarEdge’s solution,” said Eric Daniels, chief technology officer of BP Solar. “We believe the SolarEdge technology, when combined with BP Solar’s patented IntegraBus module power strip, can significantly enhance the energy output of residential and commercial scale systems.”

“BP Solar has contributed enormously to the advancement of the solar industry,” said Guy Sella, Chairman, CEO and Founder of Technologies. “By addressing the problems that the industry has overlooked or considered unavoidable, we can greatly improve solar economics through increasing energy output while reducing system costs.”

BP Solar and SolarEdge have received a research grant by the Israeli and US governments as part of the BIRD (Bi-national Industrial Research and Development) foundation, which contributes to joint development. Through the BIRD Energy initiative, the new project has been recognized for its achievements in improving the effectiveness and economics of solar technology.

Tell your friend about this article