Jan 27 2010
Mitsubishi Electric & Electronics USA, Inc. has confirmed that its UD5 and UJ6 photovoltaic modules can be installed near salt water. After extensive factory testing, Mitsubishi Electric found that its PV modules maintained a sufficient level of insulation from the corrosive effect of salt air and ocean front environment to maintain the power output specifications included in its warranty.
Mitsubishi Electric conducted substantial testing to verify the effects of salt water exposure on its PV modules. Gathering salt deposit rates for both U.S. and Japanese coastlines, and using these values to conduct accurate simulated testing, allowed Mitsubishi Electric to extend warranty coverage for the power output of their modules in applications near the coast.
The internal testing included combined acceleration testing which simulated several tens of years of corrosive atmosphere to the modules, and then the modules were tested under conditions exposed to salt spray. Mitsubishi Electric found that, although the racking and other metal balance of system components showed weathering, the power output of the modules was not significantly affected by the salty air.
“Extensive testing was conducted in response to requests from customers to install our modules near the ocean. We were pleased with the findings, as this illustrates the durability of our modules and allows us to install our PV modules near sea ports and other salt water areas,” said Gina Heng, general manager for Mitsubishi Electric’s photovoltaic division.
This announcement is significant for the solar industry, as more companies are considering solar for projects near sea ports, in resort areas, on islands, and in other areas within 500 meters of the ocean. Mitsubishi Electric modules properly installed near salt water will be covered with the same limited 25-year power output warranty offered to all of its U.S. customers, giving customers more installation flexibility and increased security of economic performance.