19 January 2015

First Solar showcases Series 4 module and launches first PV project assessment application

At the 2015 World Future Energy Summit (WFES) in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates (19-22 January), First Solar Inc of Tempe, AZ, USA, which makes thin-film photovoltaic modules based on cadmium telluride (CdTe) as well as providing engineering, procurement & construction (EPC) services, has launched its Energy Capacity Assessment Tool, which is claimed to be a first for the solar energy industry,

The interactive Assessment Tool allows developers and investors to evaluate the feasibility and energy output of ground-mounted utility-scale projects, using First Solar's advanced thin film technology, anywhere in the world. Users will be able to plot potential sites on a mapping interface; design a plant, while adjusting configurations to maximize energy output; and generate a report that includes site-specific estimated capacity and energy yield, while factoring in irradiation levels, average temperatures, project construction timing and more. The application can be accessed online on www.firstsolar.com/energycapacity.

At WFES, First Solar is also showcasing its next-generation Series 4 thin-film photovoltaic (PV) module and AC Power Block solar power plant solution (launched last June at Intersolar Europe 2014 in Munich, Germany). The new Series 4 PV module is claimed to offer up to 8% more energy than conventional crystalline silicon modules with the same power rating, and is compatible with 1500V plant architectures. The AC Power Block is a configurable, pre-engineered system based on First Solar’s proven PV plant design and energy prediction model, and is available in modular units ranging from 800kW to 3.8MW.

Additionally, First Solar is spotlighting its Module Plus System (featuring optimized fixed-tilt and single-axis tracker designs) and its range of operations and maintenance (O&M) services. Also, skytron energy of Berlin, Germany (acquired by First Solar in mid-2014), which provides integrated monitoring, control and supervision systems is making its WFES debut with its PVGuard SCADA platform.

“As the energy transition ratifies solar power’s role in the global generation portfolio, there has never been a greater emphasis on maximizing energy yield in real-world conditions,” says First Solar’s chief commercial officer Joseph Kishkill. “Our mission - reflected in the range of solutions on show at the World Future Energy Summit - is to respond to our customers’ energy yield priorities with singular solutions designed to address specific challenges,” he adds.

“The Middle East is fast evolving into a sophisticated market for solar energy, driven by long-term diversification and energy security strategies,” says Ahmed S. Nada, VP for the Middle East. “It is in this context that we’ve focused our efforts on building on our track record and optimizing energy output for the region’s unique environmental conditions,” he adds.

As a fully vertically integrated solar energy company, First Solar’s capabilities span the entire solar value chain. The firm has over 9000MW of installed capacity worldwide and a contracted pipeline of projects that exceeds 2600MW. It has been selected as a finalist in the 2015 edition of the Zayed Future Energy Prize. In the Middle East, First Solar has built the 13MW first phase of the Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Solar Park in Dubai, currently the Middle East and North Africa region’s largest facility, and will be constructing the 52.5MW Shams Ma’an solar plant in Jordan.

See related items:

First Solar launches pre-engineered AC Power Block configurable system and Series 4 module at Intersolar Europe

Tags: First Solar Thin-film photovoltaic CdTe

Visit: www.firstsolar.com

Visit: www.worldfutureenergysummit.com