Sharp’s New Solar Energy System
by Eric Kane, New York, NY 
on 07.28.06
As concern over climate change continues to grow, there has been a noticeable rise in the number of companies that seek to profit through the development of sustainable technologies. This trend is perhaps most evident in the solar cell industry. However, despite the influx of new solar companies, Sharp, one of the industry’s original players, continues to lead the world in solar cell production. In fact, the Japanese electronics giant has been the leading manufacturer of solar cells since 2000. It also appears as if the company has no plans to relinquish its status as industry leader. Earlier this week, Sharp announced the release of its upgraded residential solar energy system. The system has been modified to allow for integration into all rooftop types. In addition, the new modules incorporate technologies that allow for the generation of up to six times more power compared to conventional models. Finally, the system is equipped with a communication function, which allows for remote monitoring. The new solar energy systems will be available in 3.0 and 4.5kW models. See also ::Inexpensive DIY Solar Power - The $600 Kit and ::First Solar-Powered Recording Studio
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I dislike that treehugger posts often do not include links to the original press release/vendor site/news story that gave rise to the post.
For example, here:
http://www.japancorp.net/Article.Asp?Art_ID=12938
Common people!!! A link? More info? Maybe an explanation as to what "6-times" really means, SOMETHING???? Sharp's site has nothing on this.
Good progression. Wonder how much government backing Sharp has for these rapid expansions...while we in the US slumber through the free market utopian dream.
Could you please post a link to a source for this announcement? I can't find any such announcments in the press releases on Sharp's USA or Global websites, or by searching Google News. Maybe I'm looking in the wrong places?
Link please.
The "six times more power" seems unlikely. This article seems like misinformaion to me....
Okay, I found the link:
http://www.japancorp.net/Article.asp?Art_ID=12938
But, I still have questions.
The article claims that sixfold increase comes a "chopper circuit" that somehow regulates voltage. Does anyone know what that means and how it differs from MPPT? And can voltage regulation really give 6 times more power?
And the pricing comes out at less than $1 per Watt which seems too incredible to believe. And if that pricing is for a "system" including inverter it would be revolutionary.
I think the price is JUST for the inverter, this doesn't include cells!
yes,I think you are right about the price.
I have designed a new system of using solar panels to generate ac power. This system has been run through modeling testing. These tests sugest that this system is more productive then current solar power systems. I have tried working with the director of energy in indiana9 Brandon Seitz) to secure funding to build a demonstration model of this system to be tested in real life situations. At this time I am still looking for donations to be able to finish building this demonstration model. If you know of a doner that may be willing to donate funds to move this development forward then please pass the information to where I can contact them along to me. Thank you Steve Adams.
I just want to let people know that they may be able to save money if they build a system from scratch. It's not that hard to design one, and I provide how-to information on my blog:
http://solarjohn.blogspot.com
John