Kyocera solar modules exceed performance expectations

SCOTTSDALE, USA: If you’re considering a solar electric generating system but need assurance about the reliability of solar power, take note.

Kyocera Solar Inc. announced that its 500-kilowatt (kW) solar array at the PPL Renewable Energy Park in Camden County, N.J., has exceeded performance expectations consistently since it began operating in September 2006. The system is part of a major initiative to adopt renewable energy at the county’s Pennsauken Landfill.

“The 2,500 Kyocera KC200 modules are performing at 105 percent of expected output after nearly three years of operation,” said Steve Gabrielle, PPL Renewable Energy’s director. “Each year, this system is producing about 30,000 kilowatt hours (kWh) more than planned.”

In total, this installation produces 630,000 kWh annually, enough to power 72 typical area homes while offsetting 198 metric tons of carbon dioxide emissions — the equivalent of taking 36 cars off the road and saving 900 barrels of oil each year.

“We’re very pleased that our collaboration with Kyocera resulted in an installation that is over-performing,” Gabrielle continued. “That’s great news for PPL, its energy customers, and the state of New Jersey. This partnership is an example of PPL’s commitment to renewable energy options in cultivating the next generation of power.”

PPL Renewable Energy is one of the largest owner-operators of renewable energy projects on the US East Coast. The 5.4 megawatt PPL Renewable Energy Park is composed of three solar power installations and one landfill gas generating plant built by PPL Renewable Energy, a subsidiary of PPL Corp. Two of the four plants feature solar energy systems comprised of Kyocera solar modules.

“Kyocera is committed to environmental preservation and providing quality solar energy solutions to the world,” said Chris Brown, sales manager for Kyocera Solar, Inc. “For this reason, we are pleased to have Kyocera’s solar modules utilized as one of the key technologies demonstrated in the PPL Renewable Energy Park.”