Page 45 - Green Builder September-October 2018 Issue

grid-connected residential energy storage started out as a manufacturer of solar cells, is set to launch a new mono
systems were deployed in the rst quarter PERC module with cells that are 2 millimeters larger in each dimension,
of 2018—mostly in California and Hawaii. which translates into a greater power output across the entire module.
These systems are still quite expensive, JinkoSolar is also manufacturing “half-cut cells”—solar cells that are
literally sliced in half—which lower the resistance between cells and
but changes in utility fee structures have
COURTESY OF TABUCHI incentivized them in some states. In par- results in greater power output for the whole module. GB
ticular, some utilities, California included,
are changing from net metering to time-
The Eco Intelligent of-use metering, which charges lower Voting with your dollars
Battery System (EIBS) rates during times of low demand.
from Tabuchi is an Finally, California’s Zero Emission One of the best ways to make sure your dollars count is to invest in
all-in-one solution that Vehicle program, which requires auto- companies with strong commitments to sustainability and transparency.
includes a hybrid makers to earn a certain percentage of Here are just a few ways The Align Project sponsors are making a difference.
inverter and 7.4-kW COURTESY OF JINKOSOLAR credits by selling EVs, has combined with Toyota: In September 2015, Toyota announced its Environmental
lithium-ion storage generous rebates and a commitment to Challenge 2050, a series of challenges that seek to push the company
battery. The DC-coupled charging infrastructure to accelerate beyond minimizing environmental impact to creating net positive change.
battery can be charged Sun powered. The Align EV sales in the state. EVs could reach a The Challenge addresses four components: Carbon, Biodiversity, Materials
without having to convert Project house features a market share of 10 percent by the end of
energy to alternating complete renewable energy 2018. Several other states have adopted and Water. Toyota vows to eliminate 90 percent of CO emissions from
2
current (AC), making it new vehicles by 2050 by offering vehicles with alternative powertrains and
more efficient. The EIBS system with solar PV array from the ZEV program. working to expand infrastructure that supports electric and fuel cell vehicles.
uses software from Geli JinkoSolar, storage battery Meanwhile, the eˆciency of solar PV Andersen Windows: This American company takes seriously its mission
to manage energy and from Tabuchi, and electric systems and EVs keeps improving, as “to reduce energy consumption and emissions, lower utility costs, and
connect with other smart vehicle from Toyota. The solar companies vie for supremacy in a “tech- improve personal health and well-being” through its window and door products.
home devices. array on The Align Project nological arms race” which has seen such Andersen released the first Environmental Product Declaration (EPD) for a U.S.
house will feature JinkoSolar’s advances as passivated emitter rear con- window manufacturer and has stated goals to reduce operational water and
Eagle 60 mono PERC modules. tact (PERC) technology and improved energy use and waste by 20 percent, per unit of product, by 2020.
PERC, or passivated emitter batteries.
rear contact technology, Align Project sponsor JinkoSolar o•ers JinkoSolar: The world’s largest solar module manufacturer, JinkoSolar
improves the efficiency of also produces solar cells and wafers, using its leadership position “to drive
cells by enabling unabsorbed several PERC products. a global transition towards a cleaner and more sustainable way of energy
light to pass back through the “We’re always looking for ways to en- generation.” But the company is also dedicated to reducing emissions,
cell. The all-black modules hance the production of PERC cells,” says water use and to conserving resources in its facilities around the world.
have an efficiency rating of up Je• Juger, director of business develop- We will highlight additional sponsors in upcoming articles.
to 17.72 percent. ment at JinkoSolar. The company, which

Lighting the Future

OXONE, WHICH PROVIDES its comprehensive smart home
platform for Kasita, also manufactures about 150 smart home
products, including lighting fixtures, switches and accessories.
L The highly efficient LED fixtures can produce thousands of color PHOTOS COURTESY OF LOXONE
combinations as well as warm white light, and the products also meet the
standards of California’s Title 24, which requires high-efficacy lights and
dimmers or vacancy sensors in most rooms.
The system is flexible, too. Existing lighting circuits can be integrated Here are some of the highlights of the
into the system, and all lighting can all be controlled via the Loxone Loxone lighting portfolio:
Smart Home App or with Touch Pure, a frameless switch that can be used
to control lighting, music and blinds. Products can be installed using SPOTS PENDULUM SLIM LED STRIP
flexible plug-and-play wiring or wireless dimmer and switch options. ■ ■ Ceiling- or wall- ■ ■ Elegant modern ■ ■ 300 RGBW LED chips
The Loxone system does not depend on internet connection, and mounted recessed design ■ ■ Can be divided or
its “cloud-free” products aren’t subject to software updates or the LED fixtures ■ ■ Diffused color or extended
shuttering of cloud services. ■ ■ Full-spectrum color or focused warm white ■ ■ Waterproof and
For example, “Many intelligent light bulbs become obsolete in five warm white light splashproof options
years,” says Loxone CEO Florian Woess. “We want our solutions to last.” ■ ■ 100 percent dimmable available

www.greenbuildermedia.com September/October 2018 GREEN BUILDER 43

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