National Semiconductor, SunEdison initiate trials to optimize solar arrays output

SANTA CLARA, USA: National Semiconductor Corp. and SunEdison LLC, North America's largest solar energy services provider, have initiated field trials to optimize the energy output of solar arrays.

SunEdison has initiated field trials in California using National Semiconductor's SolarMagic power optimizers. National's SolarMagic power optimizers enable individual solar panels to maximize energy-produced independent of performance of other panels in an array. Individual panels can often under-perform due to shade, debris, panel mismatch or aging.

SunEdison delivers solar energy services to utilities, commercial and government entities by providing a new way to engage in solar energy. The company's customers pay only for the energy produced by its solar power plants. In March of 2008, the company surpassed 100GWh of delivered energy, marking a new milestone for solar energy services in the North American marketplace.

"We're delighted to be working with SunEdison" said Brian Halla, National Semiconductor's chairman and CEO, "SunEdison services architecture delivers industry leading reliability, with more delivered energy, resulting in greater customer savings. We believe our SolarMagic power optimizer will further strengthen the SunEdison service architecture."

Added Brian Jacolick, GM of the America's of SunEdison: "SolarMagic promises to offer a significant breakthrough on delivered energy for solar arrays. The net effect will be greater savings for our customers. National Semiconductor's leadership in analog and power management will serve SunEdison well as we build on this strength to make continued improvements for the solar industry."