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MCCABE
line. For a given layout of hot water locations, the system will have the shortest buildable trunk line, few or no
branches, the shortest buildable twigs and the fewest plumbing restrictions.
One strategy is to put a circulation loop very close to each hot water outlet. We have
found this to be a buildable option, and all circulation systems can save water if the volume
from the circulation loop to the hot water outlets is minimized.
The energy-efficient method of operating a circulation loop is to install a small pump
that primes the hot water line with hot water after being activated by the user, on demand,
shortly before it is needed. It is possible to do this in both retrofit and new construction
applications in virtually all types of buildings (single family, multi-family, offices, food service,
hotel/motel, etc.). Our paper describes a number of strategies for preheating small quantities
of water for immediate delivery, recapture of waste-water heat and other energy-saving design
features of a “structured plumbing system.”
Gary Klein ( gary@aim4sustainability.com) is managing director of Affiliated International Management. Joseph
McCabe ( energyideas@gmail.com) is an ASES Fellow and owner of Energy Ideas LLC.
This abstract was taken
from a full paper by
Klein and McCabe. Read
the complete version
of the paper by visiting
solartoday.org/sw. And,
ou haven’t already, sign
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PRODUCTS
Trina Rolls Out Utility-Scale PV Module
Trina Solar has launched its new utility-scale solar module,
model TSM-PC14. Trina’s most powerful module to date, it is
targeted to be available for sale in the European and North
American markets in the fourth quarter of 2010.
With expected power output targets ranging from 265 to
290 watts, a positive power tolerance of 0/+ 3 percent and a 72-cell arrangement, the
large high-wattage modules are designed specifically for utility-scale installations and
large-scale, ground-mounted systems.
Micro-tec Processing Equipment Now in United States
Micro-tec Solar Cell Processing Systems are now available in the United States. With
more than 20 years of experience and a long list of installations in the solar wafer fabrication industry, Micro-tec systems are recognized for their productive and high-quality
performance. Screen printers from Micro-tec can produce up to 1,400 wafers per hour
with wafer breakage rates of less than 0.2 percent. Fast and secure wafer conveyance
is achieved through Micro-tec’s quick 2-wafer transport system using pick and place
and a carousel print table. Nylon resin materials are utilized for wafer contacting parts
to ensure safe conveyance. Mechanical accuracy is +/- 10µm (table stop position) and
vision system accuracy is +/- 15µm for a total average accuracy of +/- 25µm.
Saflex, Oerlikon Introduce High-Efficiency Encapsulant
Saflex has introduced a solar encapsulant that helps increase the efficiency of the
solar module while reducing material usage. Saflex Radiant White PA27, developed in
collaboration with Oerlikon Solar, reflects light back through the module that is not
initially absorbed by the active layers.
Copyright © 2010 by the American Solar Energy Society Inc. All rights reserved.
BUSINESS BRIEFS
Harvard Forecasts Home Remodel Rebound
Home improvement spending will recover this year, according to the Leading Indicator of Remodeling Activity (LIRA) released by the Remodeling Futures Program at the Joint Center for Housing Studies of Harvard University. The LIRA suggests annual spending will accelerate, with nearly 5 percent
growth in 2010.
SunPower, Flextronics Partner on California Production
SunPower, the Silicon Valley-based manufacturer of high-efficiency solar cells, solar panels and solar systems, has partnered with Flextronics to begin
manufacturing solar panels in Milpitas, Calif., by the end of this year. The partnership is expected to create approximately 100 new jobs this year and produce
75 megawatts of SunPower solar panels annually. The West Coast location will
allow SunPower to quickly and cost-effectively supply SunPower panels to
solar installations at homes, commercial and public facilities and power plants
throughout the western United States.
Santa Clara Expedites Solar Permits
Santa Clara, Calif., residents applying for permits to install rooftop solar pan- els can now get final approval to start construction and interconnect in a
day instead of the weeks or months it can take in neighboring communities.
The innovative permitting method means residents can more quickly get their
systems operating and receive cash rebates from Silicon Valley Power (SVP), the
city’s municipal electric utility.
