IXYS Solar Products

Published on: 31/08/2016

GD Rectifiers is proud to introduce IXYS’ revolutionary IXLOAR Solar Technology

IXOLAR Solar Technology

Solar panels develop electricity in DC voltage which is different than the electrical utility grid network (AC energy). Inverters serve as the gateway between renewable energy resources and the AC electrical grid (specific voltage/frequency). IXYS supplies power semiconductor chips to the inverter – ensuring that DC-AC voltage conversion is controlled without power surges or outages. IXYS has one of the only chips able to control and regulate high voltages.

IXYS also provides solar cells for applications where the cost of electricity is highest – the battery. The solar cell handles direct charging of and providing electricity for portable batteries in myriad applications, ranging from traditional alkaline battery recharging to battery charging for laptops and cell phones to RFID tagging, wireless sensors, test equipment and smoke detectors.

Types of Solar Cells

There are three main types of solar cell material, each with its own properties that make it unique.  The three types are: Polycrystalline, monocrystalline and amorphous.

Polycrystalline cells are commonly found in outdoor applications and have a spectral sensitivity range of 500nm to 1100nm. They’re in the medium price range and typically offer a 13% power conversion efficiency.

Monocrystalline cells, such as the IXOLAR^TM SolarBIT’s and SolarMD’s, have a spectral sensitivity range from 300nm (near-ultraviolet) to 1100 nm (near-infrared), which includes visible light (400 to 700 nm). Due to this wide spectral range, they can be used in both indoor and outdoor applications. Monocrystalline or single-crystalline material is the most expensive but it does not contain impurities, and as such the power conversion efficiency does not degrade over operating time. The power conversion efficiency of commercially available monocrystalline cells ranges from 15 to 22%. The surface of these cells is a homogenous dark blue or dark grey.

Amorphous cells, which work in the spectral range of 300nm to 600nm, are used predominantly indoors in products such as solar powered calculators since they are not sensitive to the upper light spectrum and cannot take advantage of natural sunlight. They offer around 5% power conversion efficiency and are mostly used with ultra-low power devices like clocks and electronic calculators. Amorphous cells, like polycrystalline cells, suffer from efficiency degradation.

IXYS Solar Products

• IXOLAR^TM SolarBIT

–        Surface mountable solar bits

–        Reflow solderable

–        Epoxy coated encapsulation

–        Form factor: 22mm x 7mm x 1.6mm

• IXOLAR^TM SolarMD

–        Manually solderable mini solar modules

–        Film laminated encapsulation

–        Customised voltage/current ratings

–        Various module sizes

• IXYS Solar Products

–        A range of demonstrator products

–        Range includes: AA/AAA battery chargers, SLUC-D1 solar bank +LED pointer, SLPD SolarPAD power back and LED torch

–        Various demonstrator POB’s are available

Benefits of the IXYS Solar Range

1. Solar products are monocrystalline silicon resulting in:

– Higher efficiency over thin film, amorphous or polycrystalline cells

– Typically, 20% more efficient and higher current density for the same surface area

– IXOLARTM is the most efficient in small SolarBIT and SolarMD applications

2. Conversion of a wider frequency range of light:

– Provides usability under most lighting conditions

– Indoors and outdoors

– Incandescent, florescent etc.

3. Extended performance over time:

– No degradation of power input

– No loss of frequency response

4. Extended industrial temperature range

5. Higher reliability/longer life

GD Rectifiers are the UK’s official IXYS distributor, with over 50 years of experience, they are an ISO 9001:2008 registered company that design and develop bespoke power semiconductor assemblies to control voltage, current and frequency for international industrial markets.

For further information on Solar power and the IXYS product range click here.

For further information on all IXYS products click here or alternatively call our friendly sales team for a quote today on: 01444 243 452.

Find out more about the latest GD Rectifiers product range here.