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At the 2015 World Future Energy Summit (WFES), First Solar announced the launch of the solar energy industry’s first Energy Capacity Assessment Tool. The interactive Assessment Tool can help people learn more about the solar PV projects they plan to develop or invest in.
The Energy Capacity Assessment Tool allows developers and investors to evaluate the feasibility and energy output of ground-mounted utility-scale projects using First Solar’s thin film technology. Users will be able to plot potential sites on a mapping interface; design a plant, while adjusting configurations to maximize energy output; and generate a report that includes site-specific estimated capacity and energy yield, while factoring in irradiation levels, average temperatures, project construction timing and more. The application can be accessed online on www.firstsolar.com/energycapacity.
At First Solar’s booth at the WFES 2015, the company will also showcase its next generation First Solar Series 4™ thin film PV module and AC Power Block™ solar power plant solution. First Solar’s new Series 4 PV module offers up to 8% more energy than conventional crystalline silicon modules with the same power rating, and is compatible with advanced 1500-volt plant architectures. The AC Power Block is a configurable, pre-engineered system that is based on First Solar’s proven PV plant design and energy prediction model, and is available in modular units ranging from 800 kW to 3.8 MW.
Additionally, First Solar will spotlight its Module Plus System, featuring optimized fixed-tilt and single-axis tracker designs, and its comprehensive range of Operations and Maintenance (O&M) services. skytron® energy, a global leader in integrated monitoring, control and supervision systems, which was acquired by First Solar in 2014, will also make its WFES debut with its PVGuard® SCADA Platform.
“The Middle East is fast evolving into a sophisticated market for solar energy, driven by long term diversification and energy security strategies. It is in this context that we’ve focused our efforts on building on our track record and optimizing energy output for the region’s unique environmental conditions,” said Ahmed S. Nada, Vice President for the Middle East at First Solar. “Showcasing our industry-leading range of solutions at the region’s premier sustainable energy exhibition underscores the market’s importance to our growth strategy.”