Cutting Edge

This year's breakthroughs in renewable power

New technology models and prices

GridTek 10, Utility-Intertie Inverter

BWC has begun shipments of a new, advanced UL-certified, grid intertie inverter system for their 10 kW BWC Excel-S wind turbine. The all-new GridTek 10 "Power Processor" replaces the Powersync inverter, which was first introduced in 1983. Its advanced power switches and digital controls allow home wind turbines to produce true 110-volt power that is easily integrated into the grid. "We are calling it a "power processor" to more accurately reflect the full AC-DC-AC process that the GridTek uses to convert wind power to utility power." notes Mike Bergey, president and CEO of Bergey Windpower Co. Price starts at $7,400. Web: www.bergey.com/News.htm

Thermal Max, Solar Water Heater

Conventional flat-plate solar collectors were developed for use in sunny and warm climates. Their benefits are greatly reduced when conditions become unfavorable during cold, cloudy and windy days. Thermomax solar collectors are specifically designed for operation in all kinds of climates. This superefficient heater system begins with a 60" x 80" roof-mounted model MAZ 2-20S. It is a 20-Tube collector system, complete with fittings and accessories that retails for $1,865. Contact Termomax at 5560 Sterrett Place, Suite 115 Columbia, MD 21044; (410) 997-0778; Web: www.thermomax.com .

Solarex, MSX-120 24 volt PV Pane

In the old method of stringing 12-volt PV panels for a home system configured at 48-volts, panels had to be purchased in sets of four or the system simply would not function correctly. Higher voltage panels can mean greater flexibility in system design and more efficient use of mounting space. They are available for $599 in 120w and 110w and output at least 24-volts. BP Solar Headquarters, 989 Corporate Drive, Linthicum, MD 21090; Web: www.solarex.com .

Trace PS Series Inverter

Whatever your application - stand-alone alternative energy, generator support or backup power - Trace's new PS Series Sine wave Inverter/Charger will provide MOTHER-tested value at a surprisingly low price. PS Series inverters produce the same type of microprocessor-controlled, sinusoidal power that has made their SW series s cousins famous for quality and reliability. It is a solid choice for a whole home backup system. The PS Series has a continuous output of up to 2.5 kW (UL, cUL and CE certification), and are available with 12 or 24 VDC input and 120 VAC/60 Hz or 230 VAC/50 Hz output. Prices start at $2,165. Xantrex/Trace inverters are available nationally. Web: www.traceengineering.com .

Siemens Solar Module SP-150

Just two issues ago (January 2001), we thought we had the last word on the most powerful PV panels in the marketplace. The last few months have proved us wrong, however, as Siemens rolled out their SP line of 130-, 140- and 150-watt modules. They are configured in 24V, and mark a trend toward megaoutput that other manufacturers are sure to follow. Siemens Solar Industries USA, P.O. Box 6032, Camarillo, CA 93011;(805)482-6800; Web: www.siemenssolar.com .