News

Feb 24, 2025

Daanaa Introduces Zodiac Substring Inverter Samples For Seamless PV Module Integration, Unlocking Up To 42% More Solar Power - SolarQuarter

Daanaa Resolution, Inc. has unveiled Zodiac, an advanced power electronics solution designed to enhance the efficiency and performance of photovoltaic (PV) modules. Traditional PV systems rely on

Daanaa Resolution, Inc. has unveiled Zodiac, an advanced power electronics solution designed to enhance the efficiency and performance of photovoltaic (PV) modules. Traditional PV systems rely on external power electronics to manage functions such as DC optimization, inversion, rapid shutdown, and diagnostics. Zodiac eliminates the need for these additional components by embedding these capabilities directly at the substring level, which consists of smaller groups of PV cells within the module. This integrated approach streamlines installation, improves reliability, and ensures that the system operates at peak efficiency, delivering electricity that aligns with the end-user’s requirements.

In conventional PV systems, power generation is often constrained by the weakest-performing cell in a series, as the output of the entire system is influenced by variations in cell efficiency, connectivity, or irradiance levels. Additionally, external power electronics are necessary for system optimization and safety functions, but they add complexity, increase installation and maintenance costs, and introduce potential points of failure. These factors make system design, deployment, and long-term operation more challenging. Zodiac overcomes these limitations by enabling each substring within the module to function independently, ensuring that every section operates at its maximum potential power without being hindered by weaker cells. This approach significantly improves energy harvest and overall system performance.

By eliminating external power electronics, Zodiac simplifies the installation process and reduces associated costs. Traditional systems require multiple components, including separate inverters, optimizers, and rapid shutdown devices, which add to both material and labor expenses. Zodiac consolidates these functionalities within the PV module itself, reducing the number of connectors and cascading electronic components. As a result, the system is easier to install, with fewer complications and reduced dependency on additional hardware. This integration not only streamlines deployment but also minimizes the risk of component failures, thereby improving the long-term reliability of the system.

Another key advantage of Zodiac is its impact on operations and maintenance. Conventional PV systems require ongoing monitoring, troubleshooting, and component replacements due to wear and tear or failures in external power electronics. With Zodiac’s design, the number of failure points is significantly reduced, leading to lower maintenance requirements and operational expenses.

Additionally, the system features advanced monitoring and diagnostics capabilities, allowing for early issue detection and rapid resolution. This reduces downtime and ensures that the PV modules continue to operate efficiently over their lifespan. The improved reliability and reduced maintenance needs contribute to a faster return on investment and a lower levelized cost of energy compared to conventional PV solutions that rely on microinverters or string inverters with DC optimizers.

The benefits of Zodiac have been independently validated through detailed analysis at the IEEE PVSC. Studies have shown that by reducing the size of substrings and optimizing performance at this level, energy harvest is significantly enhanced. In scenarios where rooftops experience extreme shading, Zodiac has demonstrated the potential to increase energy output by up to 42% compared to traditional PV setups. This capability makes it particularly beneficial for installations in urban environments or areas with partial shading, where maximizing energy generation is critical.

Udi Daon, CEO of Daanaa, mentioned “The solar industry has long faced challenges with power losses and system complexity due to external power electronics dependencies. Zodiac addresses these issues by embedding multiple functionalities at the PV module’s substring level. This innovation simplifies system design and installation while enhancing reliability and energy generation, paving the way for more resilient and high-performing solar solutions. We’re excited to offer manufacturers the opportunity to experience Zodiac firsthand.”

Zodiac is now available for evaluation by PV module manufacturers and is composed of two primary modules: Virgo and Pandora. The Virgo module connects to solar cell substrings and integrates DC optimization, inversion to high-voltage grid AC, rapid shutdown functionality, and in-depth substring-level monitoring and diagnostics.

Meanwhile, the Pandora module aggregates AC power from multiple Virgo units, providing a single AC output to the grid and serving as a communication interface with external gateways and servers. By mounting Zodiac directly on the back of PV panels, the system ensures a seamless installation process with a single output connector. Furthermore, it offers design flexibility, allowing manufacturers to configure modules based on the number of cells per substring, optimizing performance for various applications.

With its innovative design and superior performance capabilities, Zodiac represents a significant advancement in PV technology. By addressing the limitations of traditional systems and offering a fully integrated, high-efficiency solution, it provides manufacturers, installers, and end-users with a more reliable, cost-effective, and high-performing alternative for solar energy generation.