ET Solar, an advanced solar module manufacturer, announces that its AC modules have been selected by Energy Consultants Group (ECG) to power the largest ACPV project in the United States. The recently grid-connected 145 kWp ACPV rooftop project is in Cedar Rapids, Iowa, with ECG acting as developer and contractor.
ET Solar is a Tier 1 PV panel manufacturer, and its AC module system provides up to 25% more power yield compared to conventional PV systems, minimizing system-shading loss from trees and other obstructions on or near residential and commercial roofs. Another advantage of the ACPV system is its simplicity: PV system design and installation costs are reduced by up to 50%.
With the premium performance of ET Solar's AC modules, the 145 kWp system will offset 65% of the energy the building requires from the grid. Reduced consumption, including a retrofit to LED lighting, may increase the offset to 85%. Moreover, the project will produce approximately 181,000 kWh of green electricity every year, offsetting 3,711 tons of CO2, which is the equivalent of planting 86,466 trees.
"This project breaks new ground for ET Solar in the American market," said Eric Zhang, Vice President of ET Solar's Global Sales & Marketing. "With our premium modules and best-in-industry customer support, the 145 kW output almost doubles the previous US ACPV record, an 83.2 kW ACPV system installed at Harvard University, a system for which ET Solar also served as exclusive module supplier."
"Our relationship with ET Solar has been great; the support is there when we need it and they are prompt and attentive to our needs. It is rare in the PV industry to have this level of commitment with a module company," said Jason Gideon, President of ECG.