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Mitsubishi Electric Announces High Power Type Lead-Free Solder Photovoltaic Module for Overseas Market

Posted on: Friday, 1 September 2006, 00:00 CDT

Mitsubishi Electric Corporation (President and CEO: Setsuhiro Shimomura) announced today it will introduce high output lead-free solder photovoltaic (PV) modules for the overseas market on October 1, 2006. Using larger size solar cells, the six new models will be capable of high output, with one model the first capable of a maximum output of 185W. The modules will be displayed at the 21st European Photovoltaic Solar Energy Conference and Exhibition in Dresden, Germany, starting September 4.

Summary of Sale ------------- ------------ --------------- ------- ---------- -------- Name of Representative Cell type Maximum Module Shipping product Model name power efficiency Date rating ------------- ------------ --------------- ------- ---------- -------- Lead-free PV-MF185TD4 Polycrystalline 185Wp 13.4% solder ------------ silicon ------- -------- Oct. 1. photovoltaic PV-MF130TE4N 130Wp 2006 modules 12.9% ------------- ------------ --------------- ------- ---------- --------

Aim of Sale

The market for PV products has been growing due to rising demand for environmental protection on a global scale. Europe is the largest market in the world for photovoltaic power generation systems, and continues to grow at an annual rate of about 50%. This is due in part to the rapid expansion caused by Germany's new Feed-in Tariff subsidy system and other similar systems established in Spain and Italy.

The government of the United States as well plans to increase photovoltaic power generation to 5 - 10 GW by 2015 according to the State of the Union address in January 2006 in order to reduce dependence on foreign oil. The market for PV products in the United States is thus expected to grow rapidly after Europe.

Mitsubishi Electric has developed a high power PV module appropriate for the large-scale systems used in Europe and the United States. Mitsubishi Electric is a company committed to environmental conservation as well as creating a cradle-to-cradle society, and will continue to expand its product lineup to meet the needs of the market.

Main Features

1. High power modules capable of 185Wp max output

By increasing the size of our high conversion efficiency photovoltaic cells from 150 mm to 156 mm, we were able to increase maximum module output 9% compared to previous model PV-MF170EB4. These modules make it possible to configure a large-scale system with fewer modules, thus using less module rack support material and contributing to total system cost reduction. We were further able to improve module output by increasing the distance between cells, and placing a back film in these spaces that reflects light back onto the cells.

2.Newly developed straight interconnector improves long-term reliability

Reliability of cells is reduced by stress on cells and connecting wires. We reduced stress by widening the space between cells, and using straight interconnectors to reduce stress to cells and connecting wiring, increasing long-term reliability.

3. Simple and stable construction using connector with lock structure

Connectors with lock structure reduce cable connection problems from happening. This can prevent disconnect of the cables. We also used flame-resistant UL94 V-0 material(1) in the connector material to improve safety.

(1) Standard for flammability of plastic materials by Underwriters Laboratories Inc. (UL), a US based manufacturing safety testing and certification organization.

Product Information ------------------------ ------- ------ ------ ------- ------- ------- Model name PV-MF PV-MF PV-MF PV-MF PV-MF PV-MF 185TD4 180TD4 175TD4 130TE4N 125TE4N 120TE4N ------------------------ ------- ------ ------ ------- ------- ------- Cell type Polycrystalline silicon ------------------------ --------------------------------------------- Number of Cells 50 pieces (10x5) 36pieces (9x4) ------------------------ --------------------- ----------------------- Maximum power rating 185W 180W 175W 130W 125W 120W (Pmax) ------------------------ ------- ------ ------ ------- ------- ------- Maximum power voltage 24.4V 24.2V 23.9V 17.4V 17.3V 17.2V (Voc) ------------------------ ------- ------ ------ ------- ------- ------- Maximum power current 7.58A 7.45A 7.32A 7.47A 7.23A 6.99A (Imp) ------------------------ ------- ------ ------ ------- ------- ------- Maximum system operation 780V voltage ------------------------ --------------------------------------------- Weight 19.5 kg 13.5 kg (43.0 lbs) (29.8 lbs) ------------------------ --------------------- ----------------------- Dimensions 1658x834x46 mm 1495x674x46 mm (65.3x32.8x1.81 inch) (58.9x26.5x1.81 inch) ------------------------ --------------------- ----------------------- Module conversion efficiency 13.4% 13.0% 12.7% 12.9% 12.4% 11.9% ------------------------ ------- ------ ------ ------- ------- ------- NB: Electric performance represents values under Standard Test Conditions (STC: 25 degrees, AM1.5, 1000W/m2)

About Mitsubishi Electric Corporation

With over 80 years of experience in providing reliable, high-quality products to both corporate clients and general consumers all over the world, Mitsubishi Electric Corporation (TOKYO:6503) is a recognized world leader in the manufacture, marketing and sales of electrical and electronic equipment used in information processing and communications, space development and satellite communications, consumer electronics, industrial technology, energy, transportation and building equipment. The company recorded consolidated group sales of 3,410 billion yen (US$ 31.9billion(1)) in the fiscal year ended March 31, 2005. For more information visit http://global.mitsubishielectric.com

(1) At an exchange rate of 107 yen to the US dollar, the rate given by the Tokyo Foreign Exchange Market on March 31, 2005.

Source: Business Wire

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