Mitsubishi Electric Announces New Photovoltaic Modules for Stand-Alone Systems

* Reuters is not responsible for the content in this press release.

Tue Apr 7, 2009 10:10pm EDT

TOKYO--(Business Wire)--
Mitsubishi Electric Corporation (President and CEO: Setsuhiro Shimomura) (TOKYO:
6503) announced today the launch of four new models of photovoltaic (PV) modules
for the worldwide market, suitable for use in stand-alone solar power generation
systems in the midlands of the USA and in regions where the local
electrification infrastructure is insufficient or non-existent, such as in
remote areas of developing countries. Shipment will begin on April 10, 2009.

 Summary of Sale                                                                                                                             
 Product                      Model           Cell type           Maximum          Number        Price            Shipping date  
                                                                  
power rating    
of cells                                     
 Photovoltaic                 PV-EE130MF5F    Polycrystalline     130Wp            36 pieces     Quoted           April 10,      
 
Module for                                  
silicon                             (9 x 4)       
upon            
2009          
 
Stand-alone                                                                                    
consultation                   
 
Systems                                                                                                                        
                PV-EE125MF5F                  125Wp                                
                PV-EE120MF5F                  120Wp                                
                PV-EE115MF5F                  115Wp                                
                                                                                                                                 


Aim of Sale

The PV systems market has been rapidly expanding globally due to increasing
environmental concerns, as seen in worldwide efforts to reduce carbon dioxide
emissions to prevent global warming. The PV market of the USA, in particular,
has been gaining greater momentum with the introduction of environmental
initiatives within the new stimulus plan, and enhancements in government
subsidies. Mitsubishi Electric expects the USA market volume to surpass 1 GW by
2012, with stand-alone systems that power streetlights, traffic lights, water
pumping systems for sprinklers and other equipment making up 20% of the demand. 

Meanwhile, countries in Asia and Africa with areas that lack power plants, power
lines, and other infrastructure are promoting projects to install stand-alone PV
systems in order to meet electricity needs. 

Mitsubishi Electric`s new lineup of PV modules for stand-alone systems consists
of models with outputs from 115W to 130W. Compared to the company`s previous
models, the new models have specifications more suitable for off-grid
installation environments in the midlands of the USA and remote areas in
developing countries. Mitsubishi Electric will attempt to meet the diverse
demands of various countries and usage patterns. 

Mitsubishi Electric plans to expand its annual production capacity to 600
megawatts in fiscal 2012 (April 1, 2011-March 31, 2012). The company has also
enhanced its PV business by forming a new division, the Photovoltaic Systems
Division, in the Living Environment & Digital Media Equipment Group as of April
1, 2009. Mitsubishi Electric will continue to promote PV systems worldwide, thus
contributing not only to the prevention of global warming in developed
countries, but also to enhance social infrastructure in developing countries. 

Main Features

1) Junction box dedicated to stand-alone PV systems makes installation easy and
enhances safety

The new models are equipped with a junction box dedicated to stand-alone PV
systems, taking into consideration the remote installation environments that
they are often used in. The lid does not separate from the box, and can stay
open at a fixed angle, enabling easier cable installation. This junction box was
first adopted in Mitsubishi Electric`s small-size PV modules announced August
27, 2008, with its patents pending. A highly flame-retardant mica sheet has been
added to the inside of the junction box lid, enhancing safety. In the rare event
of fire caused by a faulty or incorrect connection when installed, the sheet
will prevent flames from spreading outside the junction box. 

2) Power voltage appropriate for stand-alone systems

The modules each consist of 36 PV cells, and their operating voltages are
suitable for a 12V rechargeable battery, which is most widely used in
stand-alone PV systems. 

3) Lead-free solder reduces negative impact on the environment

These modules use solder containing zero lead (0g), minimizing negative impact
on the environment.

 Main Specifications                                                                                                    
 Product                             Photovoltaic Modules for Stand-alone Systems                                     
 Model                               PV-EE130M            PV-EE125M            PV-EE120M            PV-EE115M   
                                     
F5F                 
F5F                 
F5F                 
F5F        
 Cell type                           Polycrystalline silicon                                                          
 Number of cells                     36 pieces (9 x 4)                                                                
 Maximum power rating [Pmax]         130W                 125W                 120W                 115W        
 Maximum power voltage [Vmp]         17.4V                17.3V                17.2V                17.1V       
 Maximum power current [Imp]         7.47A                7.23A                6.99A                6.75A       
 Maximum system operation voltage    600V                                                                             
 Tolerance                           +10%/-5%                                                                         
 Weight                              13.0 kg (28.7lbs)                                                                
 Dimensions                          1495 x 674 x 46 mm (58.9.0 x 26.5 x 1.81 inch)                                   
 Module conversion efficiency        12.9%                12.4%                11.9%                11.4%       
 Certifications                      IEC 61215 Second Edition 2, IEC61730, UL1703,                                    
                                     
ULC/ORD-C1703-1                                                                 
 Ambient temperature                 -20 to 40 degrees C                                                              
                                                                                                                      


About Mitsubishi Electric

With over 80 years of experience in providing reliable, high-quality products to
both corporate clients and general consumers all over the world, Mitsubishi
Electric Corporation (TOKYO: 6503) is a recognized world leader in the
manufacturing, marketing and sales of electrical and electronic equipment used
in information processing and communications, space development and satellite
communications, consumer electronics, industrial technology, energy,
transportation and building equipment. The company recorded consolidated group
sales of 4,049.8 billion yen (US$ 40.5 billion*) in the fiscal year ended March
31, 2008. For more information, visit http://global.mitsubishielectric.com

*At an exchange rate of 100 yen to the US dollar, the rate given by the Tokyo
Foreign Exchange Market on March 31, 2008 





Mitsubishi Electric Corporation
Product Inquiries
Ikumasa Kojima, +81-573-66-8019
Marketing Department, Nakatsugawa Works
Kojima.Ikumasa@ah.MitsubishiElectric.co.jp
http://global.mitsubishielectric.com/solar


Media Contact
Yurika Fujimoto, +81-3-3218-3380
Public Relations Division
prd.gnews@nk.MitsubishiElectric.co.jp
http://global.mitsubishielectric.com/news/



Copyright Business Wire 2009

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