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S o l a r P o w e r D a i l y N e w s T h u r s d a y, J u l y 1 1 , 2 0 1 3 6 SPI-SUN SIMULATOR 5600SLP BLUE: A NEW INTERNATIONAL REFERENCE STANDARD The Spi-Sun Simulator 5600SLP Blue is a next-generation measurement system that provides superior measurement accuracy and repeatability for conventional and advanced PV module performance meas- urements. The system delivers Class A+ spectral/spatial/temporal performance in combination with a measurement repeata- bility of ≤ 0.15 percent. By adding light in the 300nm-400nm low end of the light spectrum, the 5600SLP Blue delivers Class A+ 300nm – 1100nm performance enabling the most accurate power meas- urement for all types of crystalline and thin film modules. ( Figure 1) The extended 300nm-1100nm spectrum truly mimics the sun and contains 300nm- 400nm near-UV wavelength components, well beyond the blue end of the visible spectrum, to ensure shallow junction solar cells absorb the maximum possible amount of solar spectrum. In addition, the 5600SLP Blue offers a spectrum option out to 1300nm for the most accurate thin film module testing available today. The 5600SLP Blue unique fea- tures―pulse widths exceeding 130ms and single flash "triple curve" irradiance testing―enables accurate and reliable power measurement of highly capacitive c-Si silicon, thin film, and HIT modules. These features make the simulator ideal for use in applications for laboratory R&D and university research. The inno- vative optical design makes the system uniquely suited as a measurement instru- ment for leading international calibration and certification organizations, and sup- ports traceability to interna- tional "gold" module stan- dards certified by the world's leading calibration bodies. Spire's simulators are the international refer- ence standard for certifica- tion, calibration, and test labs worldwide, including NREL, UL, TÜV, FSEC, EC-JRC ( ISPRA), CSA, KIER, Sandia, Brookhaven, Sandia Labs, KTL, ERDA, Exova, and Intertek. 5600SLP Blue Highlights: Extended 300nm-1100nm Class A + spec- trum for high efficiency modules – get every possible watt out of advanced PV materials. Take advantage of new tech- nology solar cells' complete spectral response (Internal Quantum efficiency - IQE) with the capability of the 5600SLP's blue light ( 300nm-400nm near-UV spec- trum). Advanced cell/module material stacks and structures will benefit from a Class A+ 300nm -1100nm spectrum. 5600SLP Blue has a precision of < 0.15 percent to be able to characterize small effects in materials changes – and conduct highly confident DOE. It has a spectrum option to 1300nm for high effi- ciency thin film modules – get every pos- sible watt out of advanced PV materials. Single Long Pulse > 130ms to get every watt from high efficiency mod- ules. Class A+ spectrum +/- 12.5 percent, Class A + uni- formity < 1 percent, Class A + temporal stability < 0.2 percent and Best-in-class repeatability < 0.15 percent. About Spire Corporation Spire Corporation is a leading global PV equipment and technology company supplying the industry's best in class simulation systems. Spire has provided the industry with over 600 simulators since it began offering PV module metrology instruments. Spire continues to maintain its leadership position with the introduction of our new advanced 5600SLP Blue simulator, and invests heavily to develop its expertise in metrology by offering state-of-the-art equipment. Spire's goal is to help the PV industry be certain about reliably meas- uring the maximum power and I-V per- formance of PV modules. For more information, visit www.spirecorp.com, call 781-275-6000 or email pvsales@spirecorp.com. GREATER OPPORTUNITIES EXIST FOR SOLAR IN BUILDING CONSTRUCTION By Steve Schwerd, Partner, VP of Facilities and Energy Engineering, KMB Design Group While the solar industry continues to grow rapidly in the US and abroad, only a small percentage of non-residential projects include PV installations. However, the potential for commercial, municipal and industrial building con- struction to incorporate renewable energy systems has never been greater. To date, the approach has been for the architect / engineer on the design team to provide an allowance for the solar only, with an intent to follow the normal design-build approach using the same perspective, approach and finan- cial model applied to installations on existing buildings. Well, now is the time to take a fresh look. Engaging the end user and profes- sional design team (architect and engi- neer) at the concept and schematic design phase can make the PV system a more viable option. Further, this approach maximizes the ability to reduce cost and improve system performance, while speeding up installation completion to better coincide with building completion. However, buyer beware. While there are MEP engineering firms that do build- ing design well, they may not be solar savvy. Conversely, there are some engi- neering firms that are solar focused, but not well versed in building industry proj- ects. The good news is that there are now a few select firms emerging in the engi- neering field that have advanced tremen- dously on projects involving solar instal- lations, and are more than capable of handling projects in direct coordination with architectural firms. For example, our firm routinely works with clients to perform all the PV design, engineering and associated tasks from project concept phase. In fact, KMB has completed over 225 solar proj- ects totaling more than 250MW nation- wide, many of which are full service. The scope of our capabilities includes land surveys, rooftop surveys, shading analysis, PV design, energy pro- duction calculations, electrical engineer- ing, structural engineering, civil and envi- ronmental, board hearings, permitting, applications, and project management. By incorporating the PV system at building design phase of new construc- tion, additions or renovations, KMB has proven its ability to optimize PV panel location and minimize obstruc- tions that cause discontinuity and shading. The result is enhanced system performance and significant cost sav- ings – including lower cost per watt ($/W) and greater efficiency (KWH produced per KW installed). There are also benefits to building owners and tenants alike. Studies by the USGBC (United States Green Building Council) have documented business ben- efits for going green, including: decreased operating costs, building value increases, return on investment improve- ments, as well as occupancy and rent ratio increases. Sadly, the process that would make a PV installation as attractive as possible is rarely followed. However, I believe there will be an industry trend towards incorporating solar from the start of the building design phase because it ulti- mately minimizes cost, improves aesthet- ics, coordination, and speed to comple- tion, all while enhancing long term sys- tem performance. For more information, log on to www.kmbdg.com, call 732-280-5623, or visit booth #7559 at Intersolar North America. BAJA'S SOLAR SUPPORT SYSTEM— DESIGNED FROM A CARPORT BUT ENGINEERED FOR THE SUN Baja Construction, the leader in highly specialized and engineered solar support structures, has installed its Solar Support System™ at facilities generating in aggregate of 35MWs of power. Baja will custom design, engineer, sup- ply and install Solar Support Systems to support PV and second- arily shade vehicles of all heights. PV is mounted directly to Baja's Solar Support System with a patent-pending connection that delivers minimal impact to the site, max- imum efficiencies for installation and the potential for additional revenue. For more information, email bob@bajacar- ports.com, visit www.bajacarports.com or stop by booth 9335 at Intersolar North America.