Evergreen Solar, Inc. (Nasdaq: ESLR), a manufacturer of solar power products based on its proprietary, low-cost String Ribbon(TM) wafer technology, has introduced Sunplicity(TM), an advanced Flat Roof Mounting System (FRMS) designed specifically for use with its EC-100 Series modules. Geared for large and small solar PV installations on commercial, institutional and government buildings, the Sunplicity FRMS is a non-penetrating, aerodynamic, self-ballasted system that enables faster, easier and more cost-effective PV installations.
“Sunplicity is a customer-driven product extension that directly complements our growing module production capabilities,” said Terry Bailey, Senior Vice President, Marketing and Sales. “The Sunplicity FRMS assures that our customers have clear access to the large and rapidly growing grid-tied commercial flat roof market.”
Rated for wind speeds as high as 130 miles per hour, the Sunplicity FRMS employs a simplified grounding system that exploits the electrical conductivity of the FRMS frame matrix. Solar panels are quickly grounded to the frame matrix. Sunplicity’s grounding system represents a major advance over other systems.
Evergreen Solar is continually working to improve its unique products and lower the cost of solar electricity. Sunplicity’s five-degree pitch on panels provides for self-cleaning to maximize electricity production. To further increase energy output, Sunplicity is designed to keep panels as cool as possible by promoting efficient airflow. Other design features eliminate roof ponding while providing easy access to panel wiring and unhindered roof-surface inspection capability.
Bailey explained, “Sunplicity is what project developers have been asking for. Sunplicity is easy to lay out, row spacing is field-selectable and roof-area coverage is as high as 87 percent. It’s simple to access a single panel anywhere in the array. These are significant design advantages over competing products.”