Daanaa Debuts Solar Power Substring Inverter
Daanaa Resolution Inc. (Daanaa), a power system electronics and semiconductor technology company, is introducing Zodiac, a power electronics solution designed for integration into photovoltaic (PV) modules to unlock superior system performance. According to Daanaa, the power conversion technology enables manufacturers to offer high-performing PV modules that deliver ready-to-use electricity based on the end-user’s need. By embedding direct current (DC) optimization, inversion, rapid shutdown, and diagnostic functions directly at the substring level, which consists of smaller PV cell groups, Zodiac eliminates the need for external power electronics. The result is a PV module that is easy to install and operate, optimized at the time of manufacturing, delivering enhanced reliability, performance, and the highest tolerance to light obstructions in the solar industry.
In traditional PV systems, many cells are connected in series, and performance is limited by the lowest performing cell. Even minor inconsistencies in cell efficiency, connectivity, or irradiance reduce the energy yield of the entire system. Additionally, every system requires matching external power electronics for optimization, inversion, and rapid shutdown which affect reliability and impact system performance, while also resulting in complex system design, installation, operations, and maintenance.
According to Daanaa, Zodiac overcomes these challenges by enabling independent substring performance, allowing each substring section of the PV module to operate at its maximum potential power without being limited by the weakest link. This results in maximized energy harvest and overall system efficiency. By eliminating external power electronics and reducing the number of cascaded power electronics and connectors, Zodiac simplifies installation and lowers associated costs. With fewer failure points, maintenance requirements are minimized, reducing expenses. Additionally, monitoring and diagnostics enable issue detection and resolution, minimizing system downtime. As a result, Daanaa believes that Zodiac delivers a faster return on investment and a lower levelized cost of energy compared to conventional solutions that rely on microinverters or string-inverters with DC optimizers.
The advantages of the Zodiac system were demonstrated through analysis and independently validated at IEEE PVSC. This analysis confirms that reducing the substring size significantly enhances energy harvest, with rooftops under extreme shading potentially achieving up to 42% more energy output compared to conventional PV setups.
Zodiac is comprised of two main modules: Virgo and Pandora.
Virgo connects to a solar cell substring for DC optimization, inversion to high voltage grid alternating current (AC), rapid shutdown functionality, and substring-level monitoring and diagnostics at a deeper level.
Pandora aggregates AC power from the Virgos, delivers a single AC output to the grid, and serves as a communication interface with external gateways and servers.
“The solar industry has long faced challenges with power losses and system complexity due to external power electronics dependencies,” said Udi Daon, chief executive officer of Daanaa. “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.”
