Sharp and Daihen Team Up in Joint Development of 100-kW Solar Inverters for Large-Scale Photovoltaic Power Generating Systems
JapanCorp: <http://www.japancorp.net/?page_num=1> Sharp and Daihen Team Up in Joint Development of 100-kW Solar Inverters for Large-Scale Photovoltaic Power Generating Systems Tokyo, Japan, Apr. 03, 2003 - (JCN Newswire) - Sharp Corporation (Abeno-ku, Osaka; Katsuhiko Machida, President) and Daihen Corporation (Yodogawa-ku, Osaka; Masaru Yagyu, President) have jointly developed a solar inverter for large-scale photovoltaic power generating systems intended for commercial users and electric utilities. Operational tests will begin in May of this year, with product availability in July 2003. In an effort to stem global warming, Japan has enacted a Renewable Portfolio Standard (RPS) law (Special Law on the Use of New Types of Energy by Electric Utility Companies), obligating power companies to use a certain minimum amount of "new energy" derived from wind, solar, geothermal, and other "green" energy sources. Complementary programs aimed at halting global warming are also being put in place worldwide, including trading "green" energy credits and imposing carbon taxes. Companies that use large amounts of electric power, particularly electric utilities, who had previously been working with "new energy" power generating systems in the several-tens-of-kW class, are now beginning to study the introduction of large-scale "new energy" systems in the 1,000-kW class and above. As a key technology in these large-scale "new energy" power generating systems, Sharp, who possesses control technology nurtured in developing inverters for its residential photovoltaic power generating systems, and Daihen, who offers industrial inverter technology honed in developing welding machines and grid interface and energy conversion technologies refined in manufacturing power transformers, have jointly developed a solar inverter for large-scale 100-kWphotovoltaic power generating systems. This solar inverter is the first of its kind to be designated as a standard model in the Japanese market. Large-scale inverters in these classes currently available are, as a general rule, designed and manufactured on an "order-booked" basis, and require significant lead-times before delivery. A set of standard specifications has been established for this new product, making it possible to shrink delivery times after receipt of an order and offering attractive advantages in terms of cost. Daihen will be responsible for manufacturing the solar inverters, while Sharp will launch sales of turn-key systems including photovoltaic modules and ancillary equipment beginning in July of this year, targeting electric utilities in Japan and users who have their own large-scale "self-generation" power systems. In addition, plans call for the expansion of marketing efforts internationally, first to the US (December 2003) followed by Europe (January 2004). Major Features of Newly Developed Solar Inverter 1) High capacity, capable of handling up to 100 kW with a single solar inverter device; also achieves a rated conversion efficiency of 93% (including isolation transformers). 2) Solar inverter output voltage is flexibly adjustable using high-efficiency isolation transformers. Units can be set up to match a wide range of power distribution specifications for interfacing to the power grids of countries around the world. About Sharp Corporation Sharp Corporation was established in 1912 and is engaged in the manufacture and sale of electrical communications equipment, electric equipment and electronics-applied equipment, including televisions, video cameras, CD stereos, MD players, fridges, faxes, and mobile phones. Its other divisions cover electronics (TV, video, camcorder, CD stereo, MD player, fridges, fax, mobile phones) and electronics components (opto devices, CD-ROM devices, photo voltaic devices). Electronics accouted for 67% of fiscal 2000 revenues; Electronic components, 33%.For further information, please visit the Sharp Corporation home page at: www.sharp.co.jp <http://www.sharp.co.jp> Contact Product information: Solar Systems Group, Sharp Corporation Tel: +81-745-63-3577 Business Development Division, Daihen Corporation Tel: +81-6-6390-5547 Media inquiries: Corporate Public Relations Division, Sharp Corporation Tel: +81-6-6625-3006 (Osaka) Tel: +81-3-3260-1870 (Tokyo) Corporate Planning Department, Daihen Corporation Tel: +81-6-6390-5502 _____ Apr. 03, 2003, 21:56 (JST) Source: Sharp Corporation Sharp Corporation (OTC: SHCAY) www.sharp.co.jp <http://www.sharp.co.jp> From the Japan Corporate News Network www.japancorp.net <http://www.japancorp.net> Topic: Research and development Sectors: Alternative Energy, Fuel Cells, Air, Energy General, Environment General © 2003 JCN Newswire. A division of Japan Corporate News Network KK. All rights reserved.