May 5, 2011 -- Southwest Solar Technologies Inc. and Burns & McDonnell Engineering will research and test new solar technology at the Southwest Solar Research Park in Phoenix, AZ, which features a 75' diameter concentrating PV dish. The collaboration will lead to a 3.5KW PV test system.
Burns & McDonnell is leading a collaboration with Abound Solar Inc. (cadmium telluride [CdTe] thin-film photovoltaic module manufacturer), Suntech Power Holdings Ltd. (photovoltaic module producer), and Power-One Inc. (manufacturer of renewable energy and energy-efficient power conversion and management products) to install a 3.5kW photovoltaic (PV) test system.
The 3.5 kW installations will consist of three solar arrays configured with test instrumentation with the primary objective to determine the effect of different types and amounts of cooling on the test arrays. Additionally, the arrays will be adjustable so that the effects of varying tilt angles can be tested. Thin film and crystalline silicon (cSi) modules will be compared to see their performance relative to different ambient conditions. Long-term performance data will be collected on the modules and the inverters.
Southwest Solar's 18-acre, state-of-the-art, secured facility is located just south of Sky Harbor Airport. The focal point of the facility, a 75 foot diameter concentrating solar dish. This dish is the largest commercial solar dish in North America, one of the largest in the world.
Southwest Solar is working on mitigating intermittency, eliminating water use, and reducing the significant capital costs associated with solar energy solutions.
Burns & McDonnell provides engineering, architecture, construction, environmental and consulting services to clients throughout the world.
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