From pv magazine Latam
The Spanish companies Solartia and IED — experts in energy and electronics, respectively — have launched Arca, an autonomous solar power generator described as a robust and low-maintenance system that aims to alleviate energy poverty.
The system integrates solar panels, power electronics, energy storage and prepayment in a compact, robust and simple way, which allows it to be able to supply energy permanently anywhere in the world, according to the manufacturer. The solution is also designed to be installed in any location without qualified personnel.
Arca Lite has a rated installed power of 490 Wp, and Arca Plus of 980 Wp. The voltage range is 30-50 V and 60-100 V, respectively.
The system also features encapsulated electronics, which are claimed to allow the device to withstand up to 100% relative humidity, as well as LiFePO4 batteries. A charge and discharge algorithm prevents overcharging and deep discharging of the system, offering between 3,000 and 6,000 cycles at 80% depth of discharge (DoD).
The system can assess the state of the battery in terms of the deterioration of its storage capacity and can thus carry out predictive maintenance, according to the manufacturers. Its passive cooling avoids the use of active elements such as fans, which shorten the lifetime of the system.
Arca can work at temperatures between -15 to 65 degrees Celsius. The manufacturers offer a 7-year warranty.
The system is also said to be able to model the usage patterns of users to know the energy needs of the network to which it is connected.
Solartia and IED also stated that the system requires very low maintenance and that no skilled labor is needed for its deployment.
“Arca is not only a generator with storage, but also an information system, as it is designed to communicate with the end-user and monitor human behavior, aspects that seem key to us in these non-interconnected areas,” said IED CEO Iñigo Ayerra.
Founded in 1999, Solartia specializes in solar energy, smart microgrid energy storage, and energy access. IED was established in the early 1990s in the town of Aizoáin, Navarra, with the aim of supplying the industry with electronic products tailored to the particular needs of each segment. Focused on the design, production and assembly of electronic equipment, as well as its marketing and post-sale, IED currently offers solutions for practically all industrial sectors: renewable energy, lifting, construction and electric mobility.
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So how does this power connect to the home? Or does it hace 120 v outlets on it or what ?
65C is 149F which is pretty good but lithium loses capacity fast above 110F. Passive cooling is not very good in high southern US heat.
Great job for Solartia-Ied
in bringing Arca a progressive step closer for safer world.
When they start producing cheap green hydrogen then the portable power industry will see a dramatic change. You will be able to provide electricity in your house without a utility. You will be running hybrid electric hydrogen cars with a range of 1000 miles.
The European voltage is from (220-240) volts. The American is 120 volts. Yours did not meet any of these requirements. Why?
What is the storage capacity of the battery?
Is this power generator available in South Africa
Send me more info
Hi. Please be informed, we are United States based and owned several hotels business in Nigeria and we are looking for alternatives source to power these hotels. Is your solar capable to supply electricity for a minimum of sixty room’s, of air conditioning, refrigerator, televisions, lights and telephone in every room. What is approximate price.
Could this be installed in South Africa where we presently have a 220 V 50 Hz network?
Dear Sir
We are very interested in you productc Arca Plus
We are Local radio station & See Rangers company in progres
We want to be indipendent or Off Greed
Also interested in Best solar system from 10Kw to 15 kw
Please contact us
Thank you
Nothing at the moment.
There is nothing to comment on at the moment
I have been researching photovoltaic panels to install at my home, but I have never encountered the rating “Wp” before. All the panel manufacturer provide watts and volts; not Wp. So the Wp rating seems meaningless; at least here in the U.S.
Then there is the matter of price. That is, no price is mentioned. If this device costs $5,000 USD, nobody will care. If it costs $500 USD, there will be lines of people wanting to buy it. But without a price, this is article is a waste of time to read.
Can the system be paralleled or series connected.
Nevermind your critiques, move forward and keep doing your best. In the long run, it will surely be appreciated!