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Enecsys Limited, a solar PV micro-inverter company, and its partner, SiG SOLAR GmbH, a distributor of solar PV modules and inverters, are showing the high reliability Enecsys Micro-inverter and monitoring system on SiG SOLAR booth 1104 at interSolution, the international trade fair for solar energy in Benelux. The event runs from January 27-29 at Flanders Expo, Ghent, Belgium. Conventional domestic and commercial solar PV systems use a large, central string inverter, typically one per system, to convert the direct current (DC) output from solar modules (panels) into alternating current (AC) for connection to electricity grid. The Enecsys Micro-inverter is a small inverter attached to the rack behind each solar module. Solar PV systems based on micro-inverters are easier to plan and install and eliminate high voltage DC from rooftops, which reduces the risk of electric arcing and reduces the danger posed to firemen in case of a fire. In addition, these systems do not suffer from dramatic reductions in output when one PV module, or part of a module, has its output reduced by shading or build up of debris on its surface. This is a significant problem in conventional systems. As a result of that a 5% to 20% improvement in energy harvesting over the life of the system, compared to systems using string inverters, can be expected. Jan-Christian Schröder, General Manager from SiG SOLAR commented: "The European market is only just realizing the potential of micro-inverters to deliver better value and shorter pay-back time for solar PV investment. Enecsys is the technology leader and is producing a micro-inverter of outstanding reliability - a key factor when considering the economics of solar PV over the life of the system." Bernd Kohlstruck, Managing Director Enecsys Europe GmbH and VP Sales & Marketing - Europe, added: "SiG SOLAR is a company with an established track record of success in the solar PV sector. Their expertise will help customers to understand the many benefits of the micro-inverter architecture and how the Enecsys Micro-inverter is the only power conversion product available today that matches the expected lifetime of solar PV modules. We are delighted to partner with SiG SOLAR and we're sure they will make a major contribution to Enecsys' growth in Europe." The SMI series 200/240/280 Watt micro-inverters, first announced in May 2010, use patented technology developed at Cambridge University, UK. The products are based on a rugged topology, which eliminates the most unreliable and limited-life components found in other micro-inverters. For example, by replacing the electrolytic capacitors with long-life film capacitors, and removing opto-couplers, Enecsys Micro-inverters are the first commercially available products of this type with greater than 25 years' life expectancy. Their reliability has been verified in accelerated life tests and they have been tested to IEC61215, the same methodology used to test solar modules. Furthermore, Enecsys Micro-inverters maintain full performance from -40 degrees C to +85 degrees C. This is an important requirement in real-world operating conditions on commercial and residential rooftops. Enecsys Micro-inverters are designed to operate on both North American (60Hz) and European (50Hz) electricity grid systems. The micro-inverters are safety and EMC evaluated to EN 62109, G83, UL1741, TUV and CE. Country specific requirements, including VDE V 0126-1: 2006 compliance, are achieved through the use of specific Enecsys installation products and UL certification has been received for the SMI240 model. Enecsys Micro-inverters have a 20-year warranty included. The Enecsys Monitoring System consists of a proven and robust ZigBee wireless system integrated into the micro-inverters which connects to the Internet via the Enecsys Gateway in order to provide detailed performance information of each solar module from anywhere. Such comprehensive monitoring, which is not available with conventional inverter systems, gives users and installers detailed, real-time information to ensure that the solar PV system is operating with optimized performance over the life of the installation. www.sigsolar.com www.enecsys.com
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