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HomeMy WebLinkAboutLAPORTE SOLAR ARRAY - PDP - PDP150003 - SUBMITTAL DOCUMENTS - ROUND 1 - APPLICANT COMMUNICATIONHIGH EFFICIENCY High-transmission ARC glass provides more power and more energy QUALITY SunEdison’s qualification and quality systems ensure the use of robust, long-lasting ARC RELIABLE AND ROBUST DESIGN High-transmission ARC glass is part of each module. TECH NOTE ANTIREFLECTIVE GLASS SunEdison photovoltaic modules are engineered to deliver maximum energy from high-efficiency monocrystalline silicon solar cells. In order to capture the greatest possible amount of sunlight, SunEdison uses high-transmission tempered glass that is treated to reduce reflection at the surface. We refer to this as an antireflective coating (ARC). ARC glass gives up to 2% more power and up to 4% more energy over the course of a day. ARC glass also reduces glint and glare. For more information about SunEdison Silvantis Modules, please visit www.SunEdisonSilicon.com © 2014 SunEdison, Inc. All rights reserved. SunEdison and the SunEdison logo are registered trademarks or trademarks of SunEdison, Inc. and/or its affiliates in the United States and certain other countries. All other trademarks mentioned in this document are the property of their respective owners. The use of the word “partner” does not imply a partnership relationship between SunEdison, Inc. and any other company. ARC_Glass_v1 12 2014 ARC GLASS Silvantis® modules are engineered to deliver high-performance for many years in service around the globe. An important element of our module engineering is related to the capture and management of sunlight in order to maximize energy production from a module. Within the larger context of light management, the selection of glass for the top surface of the module is the single most important contributor. Light is either transmitted, absorbed or reflected each time it enters or travels through a material. High-transmission tempered glass, the topmost layer of every solar module produced by SunEdison, transmits as much as 94% of sunlight, absorbing very little light. SunEdison selects the glass that we use on the basis of high light transmission in the wavelengths that are useful to producing electricity with silicon cells. By adding an antireflective coating to the glass, light that would otherwise be reflected off the front surface of the glass is transmitted into and through the glass. As a result, more light is converted into electricity; compared to modules made without ARC glass, the SunEdison’s modules produce about 2% more module power under STC* conditions. Over the course of the day, as the angle of incidence of sunlight onto the glass changes, the ARC reduces reflection at all angles, thereby increasing energy harvest by as much as 4% compared to a module that does not use ARC. SunEdison has validated the performance of our chosen ARC glass though the application of standardized testing as well as extended durability testing and characterization of the reflective properties of the glass. To assist with energy production simulations, we offer guidance on using PVSYST software and provide our PAN files for use in estimating project output. Our PAN files are created by accredited independent test laboratories. Our PAN files account for the use of ARC glass. With ARC glass, because there is less light reflected and more light transmitted through the glass, glint and glare are reduced. This can be particularly important in applications where glint from a solar installation might be considered objectionable. Installation plans for solar modules near airports are often reviewed by authorities to assess the glint and glare that might be produced to insure that pilot and flight tower operations are not affected. For example, using modules with ARC glass could change a project evaluation from “too much glare” into an approved installation. *STC (Standard Test Conditions): 1000 W/m2, AM 1.5, 25 C cell temperature.