Mitsubishi Electric has announced the shipment of four small-size photovoltaic (PV) modules for the overseas market, suitable for use in stand-alone solar power generation systems in areas of the world where the local electrification infrastructure is insufficient or non-existent.
Aim of Sale
The PV systems market has been rapidly expanding globally due to increasing concerns about environmental protection, as seen in worldwide efforts to reduce carbon dioxide emissions to prevent global warming.
In particular, with a growing number of countries in Europe and North America introducing PV subsidization programs, the market in these regions has been growing rapidly, mainly for PV systems connected to commercial grid systems.
Meanwhile, due to lack of power plants, cables and other infrastructure, there is an estimated non-electrified population of 1.6 billion people, mostly in Asia and Africa.
Many countries in these regions are promoting national projects to install stand-alone PV systems in non-electrified areas to meet electricity demands for lighting, telecommunications, televisions and other essential electric equipment.
There are differing module power rating requirements in each country, with especially strong demand for small-size modules with an output of around 30 to 50 watts.
Since 2004, Mitsubishi Electric has been involved in national projects in non-electrified areas of Indonesia, Cambodia and other countries around the world. Mitsubishi Electric's previous PV module models for use in stand-alone systems comprised a lineup of 110 and 120 watts.
With its four new modules, the company will shift its lineup to a lower output range of 35 to 52 watts. The new models will help the company meet diverse demands from each country, thus expanding Mitsubishi Electric's solar power generation business.
Mitsubishi Electric plans to expand its annual production capacity to 600 megawatts in fiscal 2012 (April 1, 2011-March 31, 2012).
The company will continue to promote PV systems worldwide, thus contributing not only to the prevention of global warming in developed countries, but also to the provision of PV systems to people living in non-electrified areas.
Main Features
1) Wide lineup of 35, 40, 46 and 52 watts, meeting demands from various countries
Mitsubishi Electric's small-size modules are suitable for use in small houses in non-electrified areas. Its wide lineup of 35, 40, 46 and 52 watt modules meets diverse demands from various countries. The modules' power voltages are suitable for a 12V battery, which is most widely used in stand-alone PV systems.
2) First Japanese manufacturer to assure nominal power rating per module
Most small homes in non-electrified areas use only one PV module per house. Mitsubishi Electric is the first Japanese manufacturer to assure a nominal power rating per module.
3) Newly developed junction box makes installation easy (Patent pending)
Mitsubishi Electric has developed a new junction box for stand-alone PV systems, taking into consideration the severe environments they are often used in. The lid does not separate from the box, and it can be held at a fixed angle. This structure reduces installation time and enhances safety.
