News

Nextek Provides Grid-Connected Solar System

March 16, 2005 by Jeff Shepard

Nextek Power Systems Inc. (Ronkonkoma, NY) announced that the California Energy Commission's Rule 21 Working Group determined that grid-connected, solar photovoltaic (PV) systems installed using the Nextek technology do not require a utility interconnect agreement. The Rule 21 Working Group develops the interconnection requirements for distributed generation.

After analyzing the architecture in this system, the group recognized that Nextek Direct Coupled® commercial PV systems do not require the reviews and approvals needed for other grid-tied, inverter-based systems. Before Nextek, all grid-connected PV solar systems required an inverter that converted the locally generated electricity to grid-compatible ac power, which use energy, need a utility interconnect agreement, and are required to shut down in the event of grid failure.

The Nextek Direct Coupled system takes the dc power generated by PV panels and uses it where, when and how it is generated. In addition to lighting, Nextek can power variable-speed motor drives, dc computer power supplies and other loads. Power for the system can come from solar panels, wind turbines, fuel cells, batteries or any dc power generation equipment.