Schneider Electric Introduces New Solar Products at SPI

Schneider Electric, a global specialist in energy management, announced today at Solar Power International 2012 the availability of its new line of Square D PV string combiners and disconnects, which are designed for today’s technologically advanced photovoltaic (PV) systems. With the PV market growing at nearly 35 percent per year, solar installers and electrical contractors are increasingly faced with large and complex PV installation projects and the 600Vdc PV string combiners, which are available in a variety of sizes, are essential for meeting the needs of these large projects.

The PV string combiner and disconnect works well with all PV systems due to the wide range of sizes and capabilities. Key features of the Solar String Combiner and Disconnect include:

• Durability and protection from the elements: The durable boxes protect the series-strings of PV modules from weather, harsh conditions and overcurrent. The white, UV-resistant coating reduces solar gain by 35 percent. It has a specially engineered enclosure designed to provide dust tight and rain tight protection; meeting or exceeding NEMA 3R, 12, and 4 requirements.
• Customizable capabilities: The box has lay-flat capability for roof-top applications, allowing it to be mounted upright and at any angle between zero and 90 degrees. In addition, it allows for flexible installation with top, bottom or side entry and is equipped with substantial wire-bending space.
• Safety considerations: Square D traditional visual blade switch architecture confirms disconnection, while touch safe IP2 interior shielding protects against accidental contact with live wires. In addition, Seismic Certified 100-400 amp string combiner boxes provide earthquake safety. An optional component is the integrated 2.5 kV surge arrestor to protect PV electronics from lightning strikes.
• UL listings: Compliance with key industry standards including: UL1741, switches tested to UL98B

“With PV installations becoming increasingly large and complex, high-performing custom, durable and safe solutions are critical for today’s installers and end users,” said Mike Rice, senior vice president of Power Services, Schneider Electric. “Our line of PV String Combiner boxes are the first in the market designed with solar installers and electrical contractors in mind and with the attention to quality that comes with the Schneider Electric brand. This product is the latest addition to our comprehensive portfolio of end-to-end solar solutions which include full engineering, procurement, contracting and management services. From design to start-up, Schneider Electric is committed to delivering turnkey solutions that make the most of energy resources.”

Schneider Electric’s 600Vdc PV string combiner and combo disconnect will be available for purchase through solar distributors, as well as electric wholesale channels. For more information on Schneider Electric’s products and solutions, please visit: www.scheider-electric.com/us.

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Schneider Electric has also introduced a crucial new piece in their off-grid and backup power solutions: the Conext™ SW inverter/charger. The Conext SW inverter/charger represents a technological step forward for Schneider Electric by providing pure sine wave output for its lower power range inverter/chargers – pure sine wave technology provides off-grid solar and backup power system users with clean, uninterrupted power that can effectively run modern electronics.

“We’re pleased to be introducing the Conext SW at Solar Power International,” said Laurent Bataille, Senior Vice President, for the Solar Business of Schneider Electric. “The foundation of our solar business came from providing off-grid and backup power to homes around the world where power interruptions and outages are a daily occurrence; the SW continues to follow our roots and commitment to areas where clean, reliable power is a challenge.”

The new Conext SW 4 kW and Conext SW 2.0 kW inverter/chargers are pure sine wave, inverter/charger systems with switchable 50/60 Hz global functionality available for both 120/240 VAC or 230 VAC models. The Conext SW is ideal for residential backup power, residential off-grid solar and community electrification applications of up to 8 kW. The Conext SW integrates additional value with available DC switchgear, AC switchgear, generator control module, network gateway, and solar charge controller devices, allowing a faster and easier installation.

Field trials for the Conext SW are currently in progress and Schneider Electric is introducing the product to key accounts around the world. The Conext SW will be available in early 2013.

 

Tags: inverters