26 April 2011

First Solar certifies SolarMax inverters for its FS 2 and FS 3 CdTe PV modules

First Solar Inc of Tempe, AZ, USA, which is the world’s largest manufacturer of thin-film photovoltaic (PV) modules, has officially certified that the SolarMax grid-connected inverters made by Sputnik Engineering AG of Biel/Bienne, Switzerland are compatible with the cadmium telluride (CdTe) modules of its FS 2 and FS 3 series.

While crystalline modules can normally be combined with all inverters, this is not necessarily applicable to thin-film modules, particularly when you combine these with transformerless inverters. In order to guarantee its modules, First Solar subjects all PV systems used in combination with its modules to its specifically developed system design and application (SDA) process. Along with the location, it also checks the installation plan, the proper design, and the operating conditions. Within this process, the interaction between modules and electrical components such as inverters plays an important role. The results of this quality control are high system efficiencies and economically working, optimally designed solar systems, says First Solar.

Sputnik’s inverters have been installed with First Solar modules for years. The official approval (covering all SolarMax inverter types) now accelerates the SDA inspection and assures right from the design stage that the warranty will cover the system, notes Sputnik’s head of Product Management Hans-Georg Schweikardt.

Tags: First Solar Thin-film photovoltaic CdTe

Visit: www.firstsolar.com

Visit: www.solarmax.com