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Mitsubishi Electric Launches Stand-Alone Photovoltaic Electricity Generation System

Posted on: Monday, 10 May 2004, 06:00 CDT

Tokyo, Japan , Mar. 2, 2004 - (JCN Newswire) - Mitsubishi Electric Corporation (TSE: 6503) has announced the launch, on March 1st 2004, of a stand-alone photovoltaic (PV) electricity generation system. The system, which uses lead-free PV solder modules, will go on sale outside of Japan and is targeted at users living in areas around the world where the local electrification infrastructure is insufficient or nonexistent.

The market for PV products has seen rapid growth of late. Sales are expected to

continue rising as worldwide efforts aimed at reducing harmful carbon dioxide emissions intensify. The majority of PV systems currently in use in Japan, Europe and the United States are connected to commercial grid systems. However, a stand-alone PV system is able to supply electricity without being connected to a grid system, and does not require costly infrastructure such as power plants or cables. The number of people currently living in "non-electrified" areas around the world is estimated to be approximately 1.6 billion(1), primarily in Asia and Africa.

Mitsubishi Electric intends to take an active role in the electrification of currently non-electrified areas in countries such as China. The stand-alone PV system was developed with just such an intention in mind. Annual PV production capacity will increase to 130MW after 2005, and the company aims to improve the popularity of clean energy resources by adding a smaller sized module to the product lineup.

Product Information

Model name PV-MF120EC3 PV-MF110EC3 Cell type Polycrystalline silicon Polycrystalline silicon Max. power rating [Pmax] 120W 110W Max. power voltage [Voc] 17.6V 17.1V Max. power current [Imp] 6.82A 6.43A Max. system operation voltage DC 780V DC 780V Weight 11.5kg (25.4lb) 11.5kg (25.4lb) Dimensions 1425 x 646 x 46mm 1425 x 646 x 46mm (56.1 x 25.4 x 1.8") (56.1 x 25.4 x 1.8") Module conversion efficiency 13.0% 11.9% Standard compliance UL1(2), TUV(3) UL1(2), TUV(3)

NB: Electrical performance represents values under Standard Test Conditions (STC: 25 degrees centigrade, AM1.5, 1000W/m2)

Main Features

1. Optimization of cell array

The stand-alone system employs a 36-cell array capable of achieving effective

generation at 17.1V/17.6V.

2. Japan`s first lead-free PV solder modules(4)

Mitsubishi Electric`s newest PV modules entail high quality construction, excellent

energy conversion efficiency, and a complete absence of lead, thereby greatly decreasing the negative impact on the environment. Previous PV modules used soldered parts with a lead volume of 864 grams per housing (24 modules with 40 cells each).

3. Industry`s top module conversion efficiency rate of 13.0%, thanks to Japan`s first solderless cell(5)

The company`s newest modules boast a conversion efficiency rate of 13.0%, the

highest in the polycrystalline silicon module manufacturing industry. The use of a solderless cell makes this result possible as it increases the silver electrode reflection efficiency to over 90%.

Notes

1) IEA World Energy Outlook 2002.

2) As of January 2004: first among Japanese crystalline silicon photovoltaic cell manufacturers.

3) As of January 2004: first among Japanese crystalline silicon photovoltaic cell manufacturers.

4) Underwriter`s Laboratories Inc.: widely recognized as an authoritative testing and certification organization based in the US. Certified

products are considered to have a high value in the US.

5) Technischer Überwachungs-Verein: widely recognized as an authoritative testing and certification organization based in Germany. Certified products are considered to have a high value not only in Germany but also in other EU countries.

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 (TSE: 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 has operations in 35 countries and recorded consolidated group sales of 3,639 billion yen (US$30.3 billion) in the year ended March 31, 2003.

Source: Mitsubishi Electric Corporation

Contact:

Product & Catalogue Inquiries:

Mitsubishi Electric Nakatsugawa Works Photovoltaic Power System Business Center Tel: +81-120-314-382 http://www.global.mitsubishielectric.com/bu/solar

Media Contact:

Oliver Cox Public Relations Department Tel: +81-3-3218-2346 Oliver.Cox@hq.melco.co.jp

Distributed by JCN Newswire

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