Solarbridge launches Microinverters, Kyocera Solar and SunPower Corp are Partners
SolarBridge Technologies launched the SolarBridge AC Module System on 10/8/10, a complete micro-inverter solution that enables the industry’s first integrated AC modules with a full 25-year warranty. SolarBridge is partnering with photovoltaic module manufacturers to bring AC modules to market. Kyocera Solar Inc. and SunPower Corp. are two of these partners, and additional companies are at varying stages of joint product development.
A working prototype of the integrated Kyocera AC module was on display at Solar Power International trade show in Los Angeles earlier this month.
SolarBridge-enabled AC modules increase PV system reliability and energy harvest, while reducing installation costs as compared to traditional, DC-based systems with central inverters, according to SolarBridge. The SolarBridge Pantheon micro-inverter and PV-DockTM replace today’s junction box and are integrated directly onto the back of a solar module during module manufacturing. The SolarBridge AC Module System is covered by 36 patents (15 issued, 21 pending) and comprises the SolarBridge Pantheon micro-inverter, SolarBridge PV-Dock, SolarBridge Power Manager and SolarBridge Power Portal. Solarbridge was founded by Dr. Phil Krein and Patrick Chapman from the University of Illinois and is an EnterpriseWorks graduate. Solarbridge continues to have a research and development center in the Research Park in Champaign.
Check out some of the press on their launch this month:
- http://www.sustainablebusiness.com/index.cfm/go/news.display/id/21193
- http://blogs.wsj.com/venturecapital/2010/10/21/microinverters-a-solar-market-thats-on-fire/#
- http://www.kansascity.com/2010/10/08/2290289/solarbridge-microinverter-solution.html
- http://www.solarbridgetech.com/