Konica Minolta Sensing Announces Technology Test Drive Program to Commercial Photovoltaic Market
RAMSEY, N.J., Sept. 1, 2011 - Konica Minolta Sensing Americas, Inc. (KMSA), the worldwide leader in the industrial measurement of color, light and shape, announces the availability of their Technology Test Drive Program to US based commercial and R&D solar industry companies.
Originally launched at InterSolar North America 2011, the Technology Test Drive Program focused on providing educational institutions equipment like solar spectroradiometers used to measure solar simulators on a 1 week evaluation period. The goal was to put the most cutting edge technology into the hands of researchers to further the advancement of solar cell technology.
"We at KMSA are very excited to offer this program to the commercial PV as well as the educational communities. Having a long and proven history in superior optics and light measurement technology, we feel that allowing users to experience and see the benefits of our products themselves is extremely important," said Lou Carulli, Marketing Manager for Konica Minolta Sensing Americas, Inc.
Last year KMSA launched a full line of photovoltaic measurement and characterization instruments to the US market. At the center of the measurement solutions offered are the AK series solar reference cells. These cells are the products of cooperation by Konica Minolta Sensing and The National Institute of Advanced Industrial Science and Technology (AIST). The reference cells are used as a standard point of calibration to ensure consistent measurements of photovoltaic cells.
"Our reference cell is specifically designed to adjust the illumination of solar simulators to achieve standard test conditions. KMSA is proud to introduce to market a reference cell with superior spectral response over current technology," said Bryan Bond, Photovoltaic Business Manager for Konica Minolta Sensing Americas, Inc.
The newly developed reference cells provide Konica Minolta Sensing with a platform to promote the photovoltaic measurement and characterization business. KMSA's entry into this new market stems from a $20 million capital investment by Konica Minolta Holdings, Inc and Konarka Technologies to develop and distribute thin-film photovoltaics.
Demand for green energy production and new higher efficiency materials continue to grow. As a global leader in measurement technology and instrumentation, Konica Minolta Sensing is further expanding its reach into this dynamically growing market. KMSA is using its expertise to quantify the results of these new materials and technologies.
In addition to the AK series reference cells and Technology Test Drive Program, KMSA also has product offerings for spectroradiometers from Soma, IV measurement software from Sunrise and solar simulators from San-ei.
Visit Konica's website www.konicaminolta.com/sensingusa/products/Solar-Measurement for more details on how to request equipment thru the Technology Test Drive Program.
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About Konica Minolta Sensing Americas, Inc.
Konica Minolta Sensing Americas, Inc. (KMSA), a wholly owned subsidiary of Konica Minolta Holdings USA, Inc., is recognized as the international leader of industrial color, light and shape measurement. The company is responsible for product lines that continuously revolutionize how visual perception is measured by the world.
An industry pioneer, as well as innovator, Konica Minolta Sensing developed and introduced the first portable color measurement units to the world. Presently, their catalog contains instruments such as portable colorimeters as well as portable and benchtop spectrophotometers for color measurement, spectroradiometers and lux meters for light/display measurement and 3D non-contact scanners for shape measurement.
Thousands of companies across the globe choose to depend on Konica Minolta Sensing equipment when color, light or 3D measurement is vital to the manufacturing process. Konica Minolta Sensing's products can be found in a wide array of industries including food, plastics, paints, coatings, automotive, aerospace and cosmetics.
Konica Minolta Sensing's Ramsey, New Jersey corporate headquarters is fully equipped with a state of the art service center, 3D scanning laboratory, tech support center, and a focused sales force dedicated to both the North American and South American regions.
When it comes to color, light and shape measurement - the world looks to Konica Minolta.
