SolFocus announced today its latest Concentrator Photovoltaic (CPV) solution — the SF-1136SX. The new SolFocus CPV array produces more power and also reduces field assembly time by over 50 percent, allowing for extremely rapid installation at much lower cost.
The new design capitalizes on the success of the company's proven SF-1100P concentrator panel, but increases the level of factory integration, simplifies the mechanical structure, and improves logistics packaging. Each SF-1136SX provides 15.6kWp DC power and is sized for easy installation, minimal impact from the wind, and reduced touch-points in the field.
"SolFocus is committed to reducing the overall ownership costs of its equipment," said Mark Crowley, CEO of SolFocus. "Taking an entire power-plant perspective, we collaborated closely with our field construction and supply chain partners and produced a design that maximizes installation efficiency with dramatically reduced cost."
The SF-1136SX is constructed using Multi-Panel Assemblies (MPAs) of four panels each, with nine MPAs comprising a single array. The MPAs are precision-assembled at the factory and completely eliminate any field alignment requirements. Installation of the equipment now comprises a series of non-specialized assembly steps, followed by a totally automatic calibration process prior to the start of energy generation.
"SolFocus has put a lot of attention in optimizing the size and configuration of the system, making it easier to manufacture, install and use in the field," said Bob Legendre, president and COO of SolFocus. "With CPV systems, it is imperative to look not at just the panel technology as is done with traditional PV, but rather to look at the system impact from plant design through grid connect and lifetime operation."
SolFocus systems are industrialized, using field-proven materials such as glass and aluminum to ensure that they will withstand years of harsh outdoor exposure and continue to generate energy at the predicted high level. Additional benefits include reduced structural steel, more kilowatts per tracker and the lightest environmental footprint of any solar technology.
The SF-1136SX will begin to be deployed early in the fourth quarter this year.
SolFocus will be presenting the array at booth #8716 in Moscone West at Intersolar North America in San Francisco from July 12-July 14, 2011.
