Mar 12 2010
California Solar Initiative Research, Development, Deployment and Demonstration (CSI RD&D) Program has awarded two research grants totaling about $1.5 million to SunPower Corp. SunPower is based in Silicon Valley and manufactures solar panels, high-efficiency solar cells, and solar systems. The company will take part in two different projects with leading solar experts to explore ways on how to achieve high penetration of distributed photovoltaic into the utility distribution system.
For the first project, SunPower will utilize the funds to examine modeling and planning for high penetration of distributed photovoltaic on the California’s transmission and distribution system. Resources and development of tools that are required to help the study of high penetration of photovoltaic utilizing simulation tools will be researched by the company. For the second project, SunPower will be partnering with the SMUD (Sacramento Municipal Utility District) to explore the new software and hardware tools for allowing bi-directional management and communication between utility controls and PV systems utilizing advanced metering infrastructure. SMUD will receive supplementary funds from SunPower for the project.
SunPower's vice president of technology and development, Bill Mulligan, said the company is delighted to be awarded these grants from the CSI RD&D Committee. By taking part in research activities under the California Solar Initiative and collaborating with leading solar experts will not only enhance the company’s business but also extend the success of California’s solar programs, Mulligan said.
Source: http://www.sunpowercorp.com