Mastervolt - Solar energy solutions

New Mastervolt ES Inverter

Mon, 28 Nov 2011 13:18:21 +0100

At Intersolar 2011, Stand B4.250, Mastervolt will showcase the first member of the brand new SunMaster ES series with a power rating of 4.6 kW. The Mastervolt philosophy behind the ES range is to maximize annual yield under realistic conditions even if they are less favourable.

The ES 4.6 can start early in the morning and continue late at night because of a low self-consumption of less than 10 W and an intelligent start-up sequence, which extends the operating hours up to 40 minutes a day. An improved dynamic MPP tracking reduces overall tracking losses to below 0.2% in the whole range of climatic conditions, including partial shading. A high system voltage reduces cable loss up to 75%. The peak efficiency reaches 97.5%, the EU efficiency 97.0%.

The devices of the ES series rarely stop feeding-in into the grid in the event of grid disturbances, which further increases the yield. The adaptive Optima Cooling ensures thermal stability and reduces the probability of power derating.

The ES concept is extremely versatile and is particularly easy to install and operate. Thanks to the wide input voltage range of 395-1000V the ES 4.6 can be used with a variety of PV modules, including all crystalline PV modules and numerous thin-film modules. The IP65-rated electronic housing offers protection against water and dust.

As with most other Mastervolt inverters, the ES 4.6 meets the German requirements on the reactive power performance of inverters. It is equipped with an AC plug for easy installation, integrated carrying handles, a bracket for wall mounting and a retractable communication module for easy cabling. Moreover, the ventilation module can be removed, making it easy to clean. Settings for over 20 countries have been pre-programmed. A large, intuitive display screen with a multimeter and a 30-day data logger makes the device complete.

New country regulations demand updated inverter hardware

Mon, 28 Nov 2011 13:17:41 +0100

The complete Mastervolt SunMaster XS series now complies with the French UTE C 15-712-1 regulations. The firmware has been updated and a complementary grounding clamp supports easy installation according to the new requirements in France. The inverters also support larger diameter wires up to 10mm². In larger installations, where longer cables are required, this will help to reduce cable losses.

Mastervolt’s SunMaster XS series are in readiness for German VDE-AR-N 4105 regulations. As a result, the inverters will not shut down at a frequency of 50.2Hz, instead they will gradually reduce output power. Not shutting down at a fixed frequency will result in a higher yield as the inverters will stay connected to the grid during a longer time. The XS6500 is able to provide reactive power as required in Germany.

Traditionally, Denmark has been famous for its wind energy market. But price decreases have led to renewed interest in solar PV. Reasons for Mastervolt to certify the XS series to Danish regulations.

The European standard EN 50438 provides generic requirements for connection of PV inverters to the utility network. A country specific section lists national exceptions, derived from the Teknik Forskrift for elproducerende anlæg på 11 kW eller derunder, issued by www.energinet.dk.

Mastervolt verified the suitability of the SunMaster XS series for the Danish grid using a series of lab tests. This resulted in a Declaration of Conformity and full TR 3.2.1 test report available on www.mastervoltsolar.com

Certificates for SunMaster XL and IS products will be available within the next weeks as ongoing tests reach their completion.

Solar project 'Zonnestroom' on school buildings chooses Mastervolt inverters

Mon, 28 Nov 2011 13:13:14 +0100

Mastervolt has been selected by the Oskomera Group to supply one of the largest inner-city solar projects in theNetherlands. Sixteen CS15 model inverters produce environmentally friendly power in six school buildings and three other county-buildings. For the total project 2,800 solar modules have been used, with an expected output of 467.500 kWh per year. The installations also supply data to display panels, letting pupils know exactly how much power is being generated from above them up on the roof.

The display panels are not the only attempt to make the use of solar power more tangible. The solar systems are also discussed in lessons, where their component parts, and how solar technology works, is explained to the children.

The project was financed through a national subsidy and a joint venture between the solar power plant's operator and a renewable energy supplier. The operator takes care of installing and running the system safely while the energy supplier purchases the power generated. People living near the schools are able to buy this solar power for their own needs, making the project more widely known locally.

Project ‘Zonnestroom’ has now been nominated for the most sustainable project 2011!

Inverters certified for First Solar modules

Mon, 28 Nov 2011 13:11:48 +0100

First Solar Inc. has certified Mastervolt inverters for use in systems featuring its thin-film solar modules. In order to be eligible for use under the full First Solar module warranty, inverters must be approved in the System Design and Application (SDA) process. All inverters of the current Mastervolt Sunmaster XL, XS and CS series have achieved the SDA standard required and can therefore be utilized with the First Solar FS-Series 2 and FS-Series 3 modules.

First Solar warrants the FS-Series 2 and 3 modules according to the First Solar Module Warranty Terms and Conditions provided the modules are installed, operated and serviced as described in the First Solar User Guide and in the System Design and Application document.

The aim of the First Solar system design and application (SDA) process is to ensure that solar installations containing First Solar modules operate reliably and achieve high system efficiencies. The location of the plant and installation of the modules are tested, as well as the plant design and operating conditions.

David Bassie, product manager solar at Mastervolt states: "Such approval from First Solar is further confirmation of the versatility of the Sunmaster’s system design. When developing Mastervolt inverters, this versatility is one of the most important goals. Our devices are intended to be suitable for use in the most diverse projects and with all solar modules. This allows installers to focus on a small number of devices types but yet meet the requirements of many different customers."

New office for Mastervolt France

Fri, 14 Oct 2011 16:11:29 +0200

Present inFrancefor 15 years, Mastervolt, leading supplier of electrical power solutions to the worldwide marine, mobile and solar markets, has recently moved into new premises that are located in a large business centre in Mouans Sartoux. Still in theCannesarea, on the French Riviera, the French team wished to remain close to their marine customers, but made the move due to needed expansion of their working and warehousing space.

Stuart Ingram, Director of Mastervolt France, explained, "The new premises now offer a 350m² building, with modern training and service facilities and larger storage areas at our disposal. The move allows the whole team to work in a more professional environment and we now plan to offer regular training courses for installers and customers in both the marine and solar business."

In addition to the new offices, MastervoltFrancehas also recently begun to work with Vidal Diffusion Marine (VDM) as the new distributor for Mastervolt products, specialising in the electric-propulsion range. Chosen for their high level of customer service, VDM is an active existing distributor of technical parts for the marine industry with a range including mechanical equipment linked to e-propulsion systems. This makes them a perfect choice for Mastervolt and their growing e-propulsion portfolio and other product ranges.

Situated nearToulonin the south ofFrance, VDM is in an ideal location to work closely with Mastervolt as well as being in close proximity to the large marine customer base in the south. Furthermore, VDM’s nationwide network of installers is able to service all areas of France.

"Franceis a key market for Mastervolt and we want to offer optimum service to our customers here," Stuart Ingram commented, "We believe our new partnership with VDM will improve this service. I am also looking forward to working with some of the key e-propulsion specialists on their team, to jointly further the e-propulsion market potential inFrance."

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Global organisation stands behind Mastervolt

Mon, 26 Sep 2011 14:26:07 +0200

The Dutch-based company Mastervolt, a market leader in the world of ‘off-grid’ electrical power systems since its formation in 1991, became a subsidiary of US diversified industrial Actuant Corporation at the end of 2010. The merging of these two forces in 2011 celebrates the 20^th Anniversary of Mastervolt and has secured Mastervolt’s long term ability to invest in exciting new innovations, a hallmark of the company to date, whilst Actuant has added another pool of expertise to its expanding portfolio.

Actuant is headquartered in Menomonee Falls inWisconsin,USA, and is listed on the New York Stock Exchange as NYSE:ATU. This diversified company has revenues of approximately US$1.5 billion, so clearly has a solid financial base. It operates globally in four main sectors; Industrial, Engineered Solutions, Energy and Electrical.

Actuant has operations in more than 30 countries, and is currently focused on enlarging its energy business, among others, because it expects long-term growth in this sector including solar power and other renewables. As Mastervolt has long been a pioneer of self-sustaining power systems for the marine industry, mobile units and residential premises, it has become an ideal business partner, and a very strong addition to the parent company.

In the Electrical division where Mastervolt resides, Actuant also owns other OEM and marine-related electrical specialists that will directly complement the Mastervolt brand. These include New Zealand-based BEP Marine, which manufactures DC switches and panels, and Marinco, the premier manufacturer of electrical and harsh environment solutions for a variety of worldwide markets. Mastervolt’s products are also rigorously designed to withstand the challenges of the open sea, which meshes perfectly with Actuant’s programme of harsh environment solutions for the medical, mobile, industrial and theatrical markets. Interaction between all of Actuant’s related companies is being encouraged as part of an accelerated corporate growth and innovation programme.

Aside from the obvious synergy of pooling of knowledge and resources, another huge boost to Mastervolt’s long-term future is the global distribution network that comes with belonging to such a large and multi-facetted international corporation. This will extend Mastervolt’s reach into brand new markets, and increase its own portfolio of products.

"Becoming part of Actuant has brought nothing but benefits for Mastervolt, and our wide-ranging customer base," explained Mastervolt’s Marketing Manager Marc Persoon. "The sheer power of Actuant, and its enthusiasm for pioneering electrical innovation, will be a tremendous boost to the cutting-edge work we do here. We now have access to a huge pool of expertise in associated fields, complimentary products, and a truly global distribution network. The future with Actuant is very exciting indeed.’

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Mastervolt continues succesful growth strategy together with Actuant

Tue, 30 Nov 2010 15:04:46 +0100

Mastervolt announces today that it has signed a definitive agreement with Actuant Corporation who will acquire all outstanding shares of Mastervolt. The acquisition is subject to customary regulatory approvals and closing conditions, and is expected to complete within 30 days.

Following a comprehensive review of different strategic options and taking into account the interests of all stakeholders, the management- and supervisory boards of Mastervolt are convinced that Actuant is the right partner to continue and accelerate the company's successful growth path towards leading positions in the international leisure marine-, automotive, and solar markets.

Headquartered in Amsterdam, the Netherlands, privately held Mastervolt is a designer, developer and global supplier of highly innovative, branded power electronics. Its power electronics provide the technology associated with efficient conversion, control, storage and conditioning of power. Its products are utilized in various end markets including solar photovoltaic (PV), marine, and specialty vehicles. In the solar market, Mastervolt is focused primarily on high-quality and high-yield inverters for the on-grid market. Inverters serve as the critical link in a solar PV system, connecting the solar panels to the electric grid, efficiently converting direct current (DC) into alternating current (AC). In the marine and specialty vehicle markets, Mastervolt provides integrated power systems which include battery chargers, inverters, generator sets, batteries, switchboards and electrical propulsion. Mastervolt provides "green" solutions to the marine market with their hybrid and electric propulsion, lithium-ion batteries and digital switching technologies.

Actuant Corporation is a diversified industrial company with operations in more than 30 countries. The Actuant businesses are leaders in a broad array of niche markets including branded hydraulic and electrical tools and supplies, specialized products and services for energy markets and highly engineered position and motion control systems. The Company was founded in 1910 and is headquartered in Butler, Wisconsin. Actuant trades on the NYSE under the symbol ATU. For further information on Actuant and its businesses, visit the Company's website at www.actuant.com.

Commenting on the transaction, Robert C. Arzbaecher, Actuant's Chief Executive Officer stated, "Mastervolt represents a great addition to Actuant's Electrical segment, repositioning it toward higher growth and product technology. Its focus on innovation, strong management team and asset light operating model are an ideal fit with Actuant. With two-thirds of its revenues derived from the solar product line, Mastervolt meaningfully extends our presence in this market with its inverters, a crucial component of any PV installation. Their strong presence in marine complements our Marinco™ brand and provides a platform to globalize the market leading products of both businesses through their respective established distribution channels. Mastervolt CEO Paul Kenninck and his management team have done an outstanding job creating a growth platform and we look forward to them joining the Actuant team."

"Mastervolt's business has historically grown faster than Actuant's stated 1.5-2.0X GDP growth objectives", continued Arzbaecher. "Given increasing global energy demands and the focus on renewable energy sources, we expect this trend to continue. In addition, Mastervolt furthers the diversity of our global energy related served markets which include oil & gas, wind, and now solar."

Paul Kenninck, Chief Executive Officer of Mastervolt commented: "Mastervolt's strategy is aimed at building leading positions in the international leisure marine-, automotive, and solar markets. In the past few years Mastervolt has considerably advanced its position in the various markets, most notably the on-grid solar market. We're excited to now team up with Actuant's Electrical Segment as this provides our company with a solid platform to further accelerate our business success which is based on technology- and product development initiatives coupled with a strong focus on marketing and sales". The Corporate Finance team of Amsterdam based merchant bank Kempen & Co acted as advisor to Mastervolt on the transaction while Lexence NV provided legal counsel. McDermott Will & Emery LLP and De Brauw Blackstone Westbroek N.V. served as Actuant's legal counsel for this transaction.

Amsterdam, November 30, 2010

26th PV SEC

Mon, 04 Oct 2010 14:38:17 +0200

InterSolar

Mon, 04 Oct 2010 14:37:08 +0200

Genera

Mon, 04 Oct 2010 14:36:11 +0200

Solar Expo

Mon, 04 Oct 2010 14:35:00 +0200

Ecobuild

Mon, 04 Oct 2010 14:34:03 +0200

Salon des Energies Renouvelables

Mon, 04 Oct 2010 14:32:57 +0200

InterSolution

Mon, 04 Oct 2010 14:29:01 +0200

Invex (Solar)

Mon, 04 Oct 2010 14:27:49 +0200

Visit us at stand L29/M30

The Module is irrelevant

Tue, 06 Jul 2010 12:22:44 +0200

Mastervolt connects-EN.pdf

With the Sunmaster, Dutch company Mastervolt has produced an inverter which fits any type of photovoltaic module. It can be connected to virtually any solar system, available on the market.

Note for editors:

This text and photographs can be found and downloaded under the following link: http://www.waschzettel.de/page.cgi?ID=28479

Solar-Truck on Tour

Tue, 06 Jul 2010 12:20:32 +0200

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SOLAR-TRUCK-EN.pdf

The Dutch company Mastervolt, manufacturer of inverters and self-sufficient generating systems Mastervolt has sent the "Solar Truck" on the road. The mobile training centre offers an extensive range of training and further education for partners in sales, technical and office departments.

Note for editors:

This text and photographs can be found and downloaded under the following link: http://www.waschzettel.de/page.cgi?ID=28722

Irrespective of the weather

Tue, 06 Jul 2010 12:18:09 +0200

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Mastervolt controls it-ENG.pdf

With the Sunmaster, Dutch company Mastervolt has produced an inverter which converts any type of sunlight in any weather into profitable power, from the early morning late into the night.

Note for editors:

This text and photographs can be found and downloaded under the following link: http://www.waschzettel.de/page.cgi?ID=28477

Everything in Sight with Sunwatch

Tue, 06 Jul 2010 12:17:08 +0200

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SUNWATCH-ENG.pdf

The Dutch company Mastervolt, manufacturer of inverters and self-sufficient generating systems Mastervolt offers Sunwatch 25, a small but detailed display, with which it is possible to wirelessly request the current and past values of the PV system at any time.

Note for editors:

This text and photographs can be found and downloaded under the following link: http://www.waschzettel.de/page.cgi?ID=27111

Award winning inverters

Tue, 06 Jul 2010 12:13:54 +0200

iF-AWARD for CS20TL-ENG.pdf

MasterSol CS 20 TL is effective and attractive.

The Dutch company Mastervolt, manufacturer of inverters and self-sufficient generating systems has been awarded the renowned seal of quality "iF product design award 2010" by a jury of distinguished experts. The award is only presented to particularly creative, innovative and qualitatively superior products.

http://www.waschzettel.de/page.cgi?ID=27273