AUO Showcases Latest PV Modules and Technologies at PV EXPO 2011

Taipei, March 9, 2011 (CENS)--AU Optronics Corp. (AUO), now the second-largest maker of thin film transistor-liquid crystal display (TFT-LCD) panels in Taiwan, demonstrated several latest technologies and products at the 4th International Photovoltaic Power Generation EXPO (PV EXPO 2011) in Tokyo, Japan from March 2 to 4.

AUO's exhibits at the show included the AC photovoltaic (ACPV) technology that can solve the shading problem seen in metropolitan and residential areas; a photovoltaic (PV) module that has passed salt mist-corrosion tests and may be applied along the Japanese coasts; and PV module with self-clean and anti-reflection attributes that boost power generation.

AUO claimed that it aims to provide environmentally-friendly cutting-edge technologies and high-efficiency green solutions to both business clients and homeowners.

According to AUO, the features of its ACPV technology that can solve the shading problem include that such technology in each module can track the maximum power point and maintain its operation with excellent efficiency under any weather or shading conditions. With a micro inverter attached to the PV module, users will not be required to purchase and install a big inverter around the house, and the solar powered system can be easily expanded, monitored, maintained and set up. For safety considerations, the output voltage of an ACPV installation is kept at 240 V, only one-third of the traditional PV system output. By installing AUO's solar monitoring software, the company said, users could receive real-time updates of power output data through mobile, computer, and other 3C (computer, communication, and consumer electronics) products.

As Japan is surrounded by sea, AUO developed the EcoDuo PM 240P00 PV module, which has passed salt mist-corrosion tests by IEC and CNS. EcoDuo PM 240P00 PV module may generate power efficiently even in both coastal and humid regions. Moreover, this product is expected to obtain the JET certification (Japanese Electrical Safety and Environment Technology Laboratories) around the mid-2-11.

In addition, to counter the common problems affecting the efficiency in power generation due to dirt and reflectivity, AUO said that it developed the GreenTriplexPM250M00 PV module that has self-clean and low reflectivity technologies to enhance power generation. Light trapping is improved by the low reflectivity design. The addition of photocatalyst on the surface helps the breakdown of contaminants when exposed to sunlight. As a result, the panels are optimized to achieve maximum efficiency.