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As the appetite for advanced solar technologies and the demand for commercial and utility scale solar projects continue to grow around the world, OPEL Solar, Inc., a leading global supplier of high concentration photovoltaic ("HCPV") solar panels and solar tracker systems, stepped up its focus on designing and manufacturing the most technologically advanced and cost-effective solar products here and abroad.
In looking back on the past several months, Dr. Javier Berrios, Vice President of Engineering of OPEL Solar, Inc., noted that OPEL Solar has made several enhancements to its HCPV panels, solar tracker systems and manufacturing processes, at a time when others were curtailing their commitment in the wake of the global financial crisis. "These innovations have put OPEL Solar in a position where it can offer the solar energy market a product line-up that provides industry-leading levels of efficiency, power production and optimal commercial value," he said.
According to Dr. Berrios, enhancements include improvements in the design of OPEL Solar's Mk-I HCPV panel that resulted in market leading power generation efficiency exceeding 28 percent. Innovations in the packaging of the solar engine, the heart of the panel, and in advanced panel optics, with partners like LPI and Evonix, are preparing the HCPV panel for mass production quantities timed for the anticipated growth of the CPV market, especially in North America.
"The performance and reliability of OPEL Solar's single and dual axis tracker systems also have been enhanced, making for very cost-effective large scale solar installations," Dr. Berrios said. "The trackers are now available with wireless network control allowing OPEL Solar customers to lower operation and maintenance (O&M) time and expense, a major factor in solar project viability."
Previously, OPEL Solar announced the introduction of the FEiNA SF-70 single axis utility scale tracker that spotlighted ease of installation at field sites and incorporated reverse tracking capability. "We are very pleased to announce this tracker system has been upgraded and is now called the TF-800 tracker," said Ed Linke, Director of Mechanical Engineering for OPEL Solar.
"The TF-800 can be secured in the ground with I-beams versus the need for concrete footings, resulting in significant installation cost savings," Linke added. "In addition, the TF-800 has improved electronic controls and SCADA support that improve the tracker's O&M efficiency and monitoring capabilities."
OPEL Solar's technological innovations, product and process enhancements have also resulted in bringing jobs to the United States. Many OPEL tracker products, for example, are now being manufactured in the U.S., putting North American assembly lines back in motion. OPEL Solar customers can now utilize local manufacturers and employ local resources near solar project site locations, reducing transportation costs associated with manufacturing trackers.
"It's a win-win. This strategy puts local people to work not only manufacturing an OPEL product, but also creating a ripple effect for jobs in States and Provinces where OPEL's solar installations are planned," said Dr. Berrios. "Local source manufacturing demonstrates the link between renewable energy expansion and job creation. OPEL Solar would like nothing better than to continue to broaden North American manufacturing to include its highly advanced HCPV panel line."
"Lastly, I think it's a testimony to OPEL Solar innovation that prestigious government test labs want to collaborate with the Company," Dr. Berrios said. "Testing programs are under way with a number of first-class institutions worldwide, among them, the National Renewable Energy Lab ("NREL") of the U.S. Department of Energy ("DOE"). We're providing valuable data to NREL on next generation solar technology, and also working on a request for information for a solar demonstration project with the DOE.
"All of these innovations over the last year have secured the potential for successful growth and revenue for OPEL Solar," Dr. Berrios said. "The Company continues to be a worldwide leader in the CPV industry for the advancement of solar energy around the world, and we are especially proud of the role we have played in helping the solar market in the U.S. and Canada achieve world class status."
"Solar energy is, unquestionably, the right thing to do for the environment and the economy," said Leon M. Pierhal, CEO of OPEL Solar, Inc., "It is an exciting investment in the global future. Closer to home, it optimizes the future potential for increased shareholder value. We could not be more proud of our participation and leadership in the development of solar power."
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