FTC Solar today announced the release of Voyager +, the next generation of its single-axis Voyager probe, designed to be compatible with new large-format solar modules coming to the market.
Modules that enter the market are constructed to incorporate larger photovoltaic cells, which form the energy-producing core of each solar panel. With these 182mm and 210mm cells, the modules can achieve an output power of over 500 watts. Voyager + supports this type of module and will accommodate multiple sizes of modules from different solar panel manufacturers.
“We are seeing an increasing interest in large format modules and are pleased to introduce this new Voyager line to support our customers,” said Tony Etnyre , CEO of FTC Solar. “As the industry shifts to larger modules, FTC Solar is ready to provide probe systems that are compatible with a variety of sizes and configurations while maintaining our two-in-one format and installation speeds. at the forefront of the industry, ”he added.
FTC Solar is currently testing at its research center near Denver , Colo. , And will assess the performance and structural requirements of a wide variety of large format modules.
Large modules should reduce development costs for solar projects. According to an analysis by Wood Mackenzie, labor savings alone could reach 6%, and energy production per acre is expected to increase, with production gains depending on module size and technology. .
Switching to large format modules is the next step in an industry that has been aligned with smaller standard module sizes for over a decade. The ecosystem of structural and electrical components was developed around these modules, and standardization simplified construction, lowering the overall cost of the system.
The new large format modules will continue to improve system efficiency. FTC Solar has worked with module manufacturers to identify and implement engineering modifications to support larger modules such as reinforced torsion bars or modified damping technologies.
Module manufacturers are increasing production of modules from 500W to 600W which are expected to be deployed in the second half of 2021.
