Jan 29 2010
A confirmation was made by Mitsubishi Electric & Electronics that the company’s UD5 and UJ6 photovoltaic (PV) modules can be installed near salt water. Mitsubishi Electric, after an intense factory testing found that its PV modules possessed an adequate level of insulation from the corrosive effect of salt air and ocean front environment, which in turn will enable these PV modules to maintain the specifications of power output as mentioned in its warranty.
Testing was carried by Mitsubishi Electric to examine the effects of salt water exposure on the UD5 and UJ6 photovoltaic modules. For this testing, Mitsubishi Electric collected salt deposit rates for Japanese and US coastlines and these values were then used for accurate simulated testing. Through this testing, Mitsubishi Electric was able to extend warranty coverage for the power output of the photovoltaic modules that are used near the coast.
A combined acceleration testing, which was part of the internal testing, simulated many years of corrosive atmosphere to the modules. These photovoltaic modules were then tested by exposing them to salt spray. Through this testing, Mitsubishi Electric discovered that the salty air did not affect the power output of the modules although racking and balancing of the system components showed weathering.
Gina Heng, General Manager for the photovoltaic division of Mitsubishi Electric & Electronics, remarked that a number of tests were conducted to meet the requests of the company’s customers for installing the photovoltaic modules near the ocean. The company, according to Heng, was pleased with the findings that highlights the durability of the modules and permits the company to install its modules near salt water areas.
This announcement made by Mitsubishi Electric & Electronics is important for the solar industry as a number of companies are intending to use solar for projects in resort areas, on islands, in areas within 500 meters of the ocean and areas near sea ports. Mitsubishi Electric & Electronics photovoltaic modules that are perfectly installed near salt water will have the same limited power output warranty of 25 years that is similar to that offered to its US customers.
Source: http://www.mitsubishielectricsolar.com/