BlueChip Energy Announces Use of New PV Panel Technology in 40 MW Sorrento Solar Farm

July 1, 2011 - PRLog -- BlueChip Energy, LLC (BCE), a fully-integrated solar energy provider for utility, commercial, and residential applications, announced today the selection of the Smart Module 400-GSM Series module for use in its 40 MW Sorrento Solar Farm.  

Manufactured by the BCE Group’s wholly-owned subsidiary Advanced Solar Photonics (ASP), at its 318,000 square foot, 100 MW facility in Lake Mary, Florida, the Smart Module 400-GSM is ASP’s newest frameless, glass-to-glass photovoltaic (PV) solar module, with a  stronger, lighter solar panel design optimal for utility-grade projects.

The Smart Module 400-GSM’s ultra-thin, high-transmittance tempered glass means sunlight does not travel as far as with conventional technologies, increasing overall module efficiency by 10%.  To further increase efficiency, a special holographic material is deployed between the silicon and EVA layers, maximizing the time per day the panels can generate electricity from the sun. The Smart Module 400-GSM technology also has a low temperature coefficient, allowing for the production of more electricity than conventional crystalline silicon solar panels at the same temperature. Together these features can result in energy outputs as much as 30% higher than conventional technology.

The module’s innovative design is further advanced with ASP’s proprietary barrier seal, promising a more durable and weather-resistant solution for PV projects, withstanding excessive heat, humidity, wind and moisture. The Smart Module 400-GSM’s stronger (yet thinner) glass encasements can withstand weights of up to 1 ton per sq. meter, due to the elimination of cover glass deficiencies and the use of proprietary glass-cutting techniques. The high strength of the panels makes them ideally suited for high wind areas.

ASP is set to manufacture panels for the project’s first two stages of 20 MW. The remaining modules will be reserved for any interested partners or investors who wish to participate in the Sorrento Solar Farm project.

About Sorrento Solar Farm

Sited on more than 200 acres of rural land, in Lake County, Florida, the Sorrento Solar Farm is an emission-free, state-of-the-art PV facility that will be the largest privately-owned power plant of its kind in the State of Florida and one of the largest in the United States. The annual power generated from the solar plant will displace over 25,000 metric tons of carbon dioxide per year and generate an estimated 59 million kilowatt hours annually – enough to fulfill the average annual electricity needs of as many as 8,000 typical Florida households. As a clean energy project, it will stimulate the local economy by creating an estimated 250 high-paying, high-skilled jobs while building local expertise in solar energy. The power produced will be sold under an off-take contract signed with Progress Energy Florida earlier this year.

About BlueChip Energy, LLC

BlueChip Energy, LLC (BCE) is a fully-integrated solar PV power generator, occupying all segments of the solar power value chain, from manufacturing of solar panels and balance of systems components, to the sale of turnkey solar power plants – and electricity – to utility, commercial and residential customers. BCE develops, finances, constructs, operates, and monitors solar plants for companies and individuals, as well as for its own portfolio.

BlueChip Energy’s two flagship utility scale solar projects, the Rinehart Solar Farm (10 MW) and the Sorrento Solar Farm (40 MW), received approval from the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (“FERC”) as self-certified small power production facilities, or Qualified Facilities (“QF”) earlier this year, requiring the local utility to provide interconnection to them and purchase the electricity they produce. Additionally, these two solar farms have received approval to operate as Exempt Wholesale Generators (“EWG”), providing the facilities with undisputed access to the power distribution network.

About Advanced Solar Photonics, LLC

Advanced Solar Photonics, LLC (ASP), a wholly-owned subsidiary of the BlueChip Energy Group, is a manufacturing and research and development center for crystalline silicon solar photovoltaic (PV) panels and solar generators for utility, commercial and residential applications. Based on the latest cell efficiency, light transmission, and encapsulation technologies, ASP focuses on high-efficiency, state-of-the-art solar PV modules ranging from 200 Watts to 400 Watts.

ASP is the third largest producer of crystalline silicon PV panels in the United States and is one of the few producers in the US of Buy American Act compliant products suitable for government, military and municipal projects and meeting the requirements of Section 1605 of the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009.

# # #

BlueChip Energy, LLC (BCE) is a fully-integrated solar PV power generator, occupying all segments of the solar power value chain, from manufacturing of solar panels and balance of systems components, to the sale of turnkey solar power plants – and electricity – to utility, commercial and residential customers. BCE develops, finances, constructs, operates, and monitors solar plants for companies and individuals, as well as for its own portfolio.