Answers
Sun Simba Market and Applications
Q: Where will it be cost-effective to install the Sun Simba?
A: Concentrated Photovoltaic panels perform best in areas with high insolation, particularly high Direct Normal Irradiance (DNI). DNI is a measure of the rate of solar energy that falls at the earth’s surface in beams exactly perpendicular to the direction of the sun. For CPV, generally areas with an average DNI greater than 6 kWh/ m² per day, for over 1200 hours per year, are ideal. However, we anticipate that the Sun Simba will still be attractive in areas with DNI as low as 4 kWh/ m² or lower, especially at first in incentivized markets such as Ontario.
The world’s best DNI levels are found in the Southwestern U.S. and the sun-belt states, Central and South America, Southern Europe, Australia, India, the Middle East, and Northern and Sub-Saharan Africa. [see NREL and SWERA maps and Checklist]
Other factors influence how attractive a location is, particularly if the electricity generated is being sold to the grid. These include: the cost of grid electricity (high, with expectations of rate increases); the proximity to the grid; and, at first, the existence of pro-renewable government policies (tax incentives, Feed-In Tariffs, and/ or a mandate for renewable energy deployment targets).
Q: In what markets will the Sun Simba first be available?
A: Based on the above factors, the first markets we will enter are the U.S., Canada (southern Alberta, Ontario, and Saskatchewan), and Southern Europe (southern Spain, Portugal, France, Italy, Greece and Turkey).
Q: Can I put one on my roof?
A: The short answer is not immediately.
The Sun Simba requires precise dual axis tracking to work. Trackers are heavy, contain moving parts, and therefore installing them on roof tops can be challenging with existing trackers. There are also building code issues to consider when designing a roof mounted product. After the launch of the ground-mounted Sun Simba, we will start developing a low-profile tracker optimized for industrial rooftop installations, and later on a smaller residential roof-mounted tracker.
We are, in addition, developing other building-integrated technologies. Information about these products will be made available in the future on the website.
Q: What’s the efficiency of a panel/module?
A: This is not completely established. In all likelihood, the first modules we sell will achieve approximately 28% efficiency. We are working hard to optimize efficiency, and cost, before commercialization.
Q: Can you send me the spec sheets?
A: Not as of yet. Spec sheets will be posted on this site once the data is finalized.
Q: Can I have a sample module?
A: Please contact Business Development to discuss your proposed project. It is possible we could provide samples depending on availability and on the specific opportunity at hand.
Q: Are you looking for partners to host a demonstration site?
A: We may be. Please contact Business Development. We’d be happy to discuss the possibility.
Q: How do they hold up to different weather? Extreme heat/sun/brutal winters?
A: The materials involved in the construction of the Sun Simba are mainly aluminum, UV-resistant acrylic, and glass, all of which are very well understood materials in terms of weathering durability. The system has been designed to withstand extreme temperatures and conditions, such as from Ontario winters to Death Valley summers. Trackers designed for snowy conditions would be required in Northern latitudes.
Q: How does the Sun Simba compare to other photovoltaic systems?
A: More efficient, lower cost.
There are essentially three types of photovoltaic (PV) systems: thin film; flat plate (or silicon); and Concentrated Photovoltaic (CPV).
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Thin film
Thin film is very big in the market because it is inexpensive, and most analysts predict that the price of thin film will continue to go down. However, thin film operates at a range of 8 to 11% efficiency, so you need more space to generate the same amount of power. A typical house will use 4 to 6 kW per hour during the day. To generate that much power with thin film you would need an area approximately 50 to 75 meters square (540 to 810 square feet) – which is more than the average roof space on a house consuming that much power.
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Flat Plate
Flat plate is what most people think of when they think of solar panels, and the technology and price has improved enormously in the last few years. Efficiencies of 15% are common, and modules with 17% to 19% are available now, with 21% efficient modules available soon. Costs are still somewhat high, especially for the higher ranges. You can check today’s prices here: solarbuzz.com.
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Concentrated Photovoltaics (CPV)
CPV systems are the third option, and usually operate in the 20 to 28% efficiency range. At these efficiencies, 16 to 24 meters of panels will be sufficient to generate 4 to 6 kW of electricity. CPV systems require tracking, which adds a little to the cost, but that also means significantly more power output in the mornings and evenings.
In short, CPV systems (all CPV systems, not just Morgan Solar’s) are better suited for large installations where a lot of power is needed. Thin film is best suited for situations where space isn’t an issue, and right now flat plate systems are best suited for home and medium installations.