New 500 Wp/120-Cell PV Module is 60% Larger, but Weighs Same as Conventional 280 Wp/72-Cell Metal-Framed Modules
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EINDHOVEN, THE NETHERLANDS - While building beta prototypes of its innovative new COSMOS(TM) photovoltaic (PV) modules for independent-laboratory testing, TULiPPS Solar B.V. owner and inventor, Paul Stassen decided to try something revolutionary: build a 500 watt-peak (Wp)/120-cell unit that is 60% larger than industry-standard 280 Wp/72-cell modules, but is tougher, more efficient, and weighs the same as smaller, conventional aluminum-framed systems. This was possible thanks to the versatility of TULiPPS's patent-pending, lightweight underbody module technology, which uses tough automotive-grade composites and design techniques plus special thin, 2-mm solar glass from Ducatt NV (Lommel, Belgium, www.ducatt.com/) to solve numerous issues with conventional roof-mounted PV modules. TULiPPS's standard 72- and larger 120-cell COSMOS modules reduce weight, production costs, installation time, and maintenance for roof- or ground-mounted solar arrays while also increasing break resistance, light transmittance, and energy-generating efficiency per unit area.
As Stassen explains, "Our new larger 120-cell modules are the same height and weight as standard aluminum-framed 72-cell units, but they are 60% wider. This weight savings is a huge innovation - particularly for roof-mounted solar arrays where weight can be an issue and where you want to pack as many modules into the available space as possible to maximize energy-generating capacity and shorten return on investment. Our new larger unit is the equivalent of putting 10 pounds of PV technology into a 5-pound module."
Developed in partnership with leading companies in the automotive composites, roofing, and PV industries, and with financial support from the Province of Noord-Brabant in the Netherlands, and the Brabantse Ontwikkelingsmaatschappij, the new COSMOS module system from TULiPPS has been carefully designed to address deficiencies with conventional PV systems, take full advantage of automotive "lightweighting" strategies, and to bring greater value to all members of the solar PV supply chain - from the PV module manufacturer, module installation companies, building owners, and investors. Key to the success of the COSMOS system is the combination of tough automotive-grade composites, an integral frame and support system with plug-n-play functionality, a proven roof-anchor system that does not penetrate the roof membrane, and Ducatt's special thin PV glass, which provides industry's highest light transparency (95% vs. 91% achieved with thicker low-iron solar glass) and therefore offeres greater energy conversion per unit area.
When the 500 Wp units become commercially available next year, they will be industry's largest standard PV module at 1.98 x 164m/6.5 x 5.4 ft and also industry's largest-capacity standard PV module. Currently, working prototypes are being evaluated for durability by an independent PV testing laboratory in Europe (along with TULiPPS' standard 72-cell units) and are expected to be commercial-ready in 2012. Owing to the unique versatility of the new module technology, it can be used with both silicon and thin-film PV modules, for flat or pitched roofs (or ground arrays), and for building-integrated PV (BIPV) systems. And it is easy to implement in all existing PV module factories.
TULiPPS Solar B.V. is a startup company with patent-pending technologies for the next generation of solar PV modules. For more Information, see: www.tulipps.com/, or eMail: sales@tulipps.com or phone: +31 (0) 40.7516.290, or mail: TULiPPS Solar B.V., High Tech Campus 9, 5656 AE Eindhoven, The Netherlands.
(TM)TULiPPS and COSMOS are trademarks of TULiPPS Solar B.V. COSMOS product development is sponsored by the PROVINCIE NOORD-BRABANT.
