Date: 28th July 2010

New tech in enhancing Solar PV module performance

Microsemi Corp, Spelsberg and the Fraunhofer Institute for Solar Energy Systems ISE are joining hands to co-develop a new technology for photovoltaic (PV) solar modules. Microsemi says this group is working together to increase the reliability of solar PV systems while reducing power dissipation in the critical bypass diode by up to 90% as compared to today's typical solutions. Microsemi employing this technology in its diodes along with its patented ultra-low-power CoolRUN technology for increased power generation efficiency and reduces operating temperatures. Microsemi says this is better solutions compared to Schottky diodes.

"We are pleased that Microsemi's new solar bypass solution leverages our system-level knowledge and intellectual property," said Dr. Heribert Schmidt of Fraunhofer ISE. "By combining Microsemi's IC design expertise with our knowledge of solar-energy scientific fundamentals, prototyping, and demonstration-system development, we have achieved a key milestone on the road to significantly more reliable and power-efficient PV modules."

Another company which is also seriously involved in increasing power effeciency of solar PV modules is National Semiconductor. National has designed its solar power management devices to improve photovoltaic system efficiency by enabling precise control and performance optimization at the module level.

Also from academia side, Purdue University said it has planned to lead a new research center to improve photovoltaic solar cells. The work is funded by the Semiconductor Research Corporation.

"The center will take advantage of Purdue's extensive modeling and simulation expertise and our national Network for Computational Nanotechnology," said Richard Buckius, Purdue's vice president for research. "The NCN provides analytical models and simulation tools for photovoltaic manufacturers, much as Purdue has done for the semiconductor industry."

This initiative also includes a smart grid research center at Carnegie Mellon University to support the incorporation of renewable energy resources and provide modeling, simulation and control tools to the power grid.

As the solar PV module effeciency crossing 30% sooner, the smart semiconductor devices from companies like Microsemi and National Semiconductor make the solar power generation more smart and affordable.