BP Solar today announced the inauguration of a new solar technology designed to perform more efficiently in extreme temperatures. This new technology is being tested as part of a 14 kW pilot project newly installed on the grounds of the New Energy Oasis (NEO) of the King Abdullah University of Science and Technology (KAUST) in Saudi Arabia.
The KAUST system was switched on in July -- the first month of summer when temperatures are at an extreme high. The system consists of 60 solar photovoltaic modules, half of which include BP Solar's new 120 half-cell modules with Thermo-Cool technology. The Thermo-Cool backsheet layer allows for faster heat dissipation resulting in a cooler operating environment and thus higher power output. BP Solar's CEO, Mike Petrucci, noted "This project is a test of the efficiency of the Thermo-Cool Technology. It is performing very well and we are especially pleased that the system is one of the first to be connected to the grid in the Kingdom. It is the latest chapter in BP Solar's commitment to the Kingdom, a relationship that dates back to 1983." KAUST's VP of Economic Development, Amin Al Shibani, said that this project is in keeping with the mission of the NEO to be a platform to test and validate new technologies for potential deployment in the Kingdom. BP Saudi Arabia Country Manager, Ribhi Rayyan, added, "The inauguration of this landmark project is an especially proud moment for BP which has enjoyed a long and fruitful relationship with Saudi Arabia." He said that BP is honored to be associated with the prestigious KAUST.
About BP Solar
BP Solar, part of BP Alternative Energy, is a global company with about 1,600 employees. BP Solar designs, manufactures and markets solar energy products and provides complete solar energy solutions for the residential, commercial, industrial and utility sectors. With over 37 years of experience and installations in most countries, BP Solar is one of the world's leading solar companies. BP Solar invests more than $10M annually in photovoltaic research and development. About BP Alternative Energy
Launched in November 2005, BP Alternative Energy combines all of BP's interests in low and zero-carbon energy. To date, BP Alternative Energy has invested $4 billion of an $8 billion commitment through 2015 in: wind; solar; hydrogen power with carbon capture and storage; and biofuels.
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