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MADE | IN MINNESOTA Bright (Solar) Ideas ENERGY EFFICIENCY by Bill Remes In 2008, the founders of tenKsolar, Inc. founded their company with an idea—an idea to design and build a better solar panel. Identifying the problems with solar panels as they currently existed, tenKsolar knew it had better ideas for a design that would produce more energy, more safety and with less cost. As the old saying goes, they could “build a better mousetrap.” Located in Burnsville, Minn., tenKsolar now has launched their new line of RAIS modules, which stands for redundant array of integrated solar. The current design of most solar panels involves each one of the cells being wired or linked together in a series. So, when one or several of the cells is blocked and not working, large portions, if not all, of the solar panel fail to work—not generating power. [Remember the old strings of Christmas tree lights? When one of the lights went out—all of the lights went out. Solar panels, when linked in series, almost are that bad.] tenKsolar’s RAIS modules utilize a cell matrix architecture design in their coupling and output. One portion of a solar panel may be blocked, or fail, and a majority of the power still will be generated by that panel. And each module can stand alone—generating power when other modules for whatever reason may not be operating. The modules are designed so that energy literally finds an alternative path toward the output coupler. The National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL) has established an industry standard for the efficiency rating of solar panels, which are measured in photovoltaic (PV) watts. NREL rates other currently available solar panels as having generally a 77 to 82 percent efficiency rating, with only a 72 to 74 percent efficiency rating after 10 years of operation. Due to the efficiency of their design, the tenKsolar panels are showing test results with an initial efficiency of 91 to 92 percent, with an efficiency of approximately 87 percent even after 10 years of operation. To boost the efficiency even further, the solar panel design also takes advantage of reflected light. Most solar panels only use direct sunlight. Whereas, mounting of highly reflective panels, adjacent to a tenKsolar panel, adds a significant amount to the total energy output. Due to the fact that light can be reflected onto the panels, the optimal mounting angle of each solar panel— which generally is equal to the latitude at which the panels are installed (45 degrees latitude for Minnesota)—is not quite as important for tenKsolar panels. Two other important features that tenKsolar has designed into their product offering include: ▶▶Product Safety. Each panel operates at 48 volts—a voltage that is more safe for anyone who may come in contact with the panel. Conventional panels operate on as much as 600 volts—a lethal dose of electricity if you come in contact inadvertently. ▶▶Lightweight. tenKsolar panels are all made with an aluminum backplane, ensuring a good silicone seal, which also keeps humidity This tenKsolar solar panel module, even with partial snow coverage, will still produce 82 percent of full area power; whereas a conventional solar panel might only produce less than 10 percent. out. The installations are virtually all aluminum structures, which is far less costly and far less weight than steel. This weight reduction means that many solar modules, particularly large solar modules, will not overburden the weight bearing capacity of the structure in which they are mounted. In most instances, the modules can be attached with no roof penetration (less opportunity for a roof to leak). tenKsolar claims to have the lowest pounds per square foot (with the highest kW rating) available today. There are many bright ideas designed into these new state-of-the-art solar panels, conceived and produced right here in Minnesota. PM BILL REMES is the director of sales & marketing for AmeriStar Manufacturing Inc. in Mankato, Minn. He can be reached at billr@ameristarmfg.com. sponsored by | HEGMAN MACHINE TOOL INC. 16 | PRECISION MANUFACTURING May | June 201
Industry Profile Iron range resources Your vision. Our backing. Business is GROW NG As the only region in Minnesota with its own state development agency, northeastern Minnesota has a crop of grants, loans and venture capital available for companies that choose to relocate or expand in the area. Today, the region is home to many growing businesses and $6.4 billion worth of development. Iron Range Resources, a state agency funded by taconite production taxes, is focused exclusively on the success of businesses in northeastern Minnesota, providing them with vital funding and support. GROwing businesses Access to capital is critical for new and growing companies, especially in a tight credit market. The financing programs available through Iron Range Resources are among the most wide-ranging and creative in the country. Iron Range Resources can provide low or no interest loans, revenue bonds, training assistance and grants in some cases. Sometimes it’s possible to structure debt forgiveness into certain projects if they meet criteria tied to job creation and retention. GROwing communities In addition to assisting businesses, Iron Range Resources is strengthening surrounding communities. By providing grants to local governments for business and residential infrastructure development, the agency is paving the way for community growth. GROwing workforce Iron Range Resources is helping to grow the region’s workforce through an educational model called The Applied Learning Institute. This is a partnership of school districts and colleges ensuring high school students are able to earn college credit for technical education classes, not just liberal arts classes. Iron Range Resources is advancing the region’s workforce through the Arrowhead Institute of Technology, which allows students to earn bachelor’s and master’s degrees without leaving the region. Since the program is completely project-based, students spend the majority of their time learning in industry, not the classroom. >>> Over the last 3 years, enrollment in the Applied Learning Institute has grown by 271 percent. In addition, enrollment in postsecondary technical programs increased by 73.2 percent. Over the last 6 years, Iron Range Resources has invested $65.6 million in loans to new and existing businesses in the region. Those loans were leveraged an average of nearly 4.5 times, creating a total business investment impact of $294.2 million and creating and retaining 4,193 jobs. Over the last 6 years, Iron Range Resources has provided more than $90 million in grants to fund community and economic development, including over $5 million for renewable energy initiatives. Since 1990, the agency has helped fund the development of 2,200 housing units and 25 industrial parks. www.ironrangeresources.com
Page 1 and 2: M a y / j u n e 2 0 1 0 M a n u F A
Page 3 and 4: TABLE | OF CONTENTS May | June 2010
Page 5: Make the Right Moves Early in Your
Page 8 and 9: COVer | RAW MATERIALS STEEL USE ARO
Page 10 and 11: 10 | PRECISION MANUFACTURING May |
Page 12 and 13: shOP | PROFILE Kurt Workholding HuN
Page 14 and 15: Innovation and excellence create a
Page 18 and 19: Industry Profile Iron range resourc
Page 20 and 21: Industry Profile Iron range resourc
Page 22 and 23: Competing on Value BREAkING THROUGH
Page 24 and 25: shOP | PROFILE LOFTech FINDING a SO
Page 26: ManuFACTURERS’ | MARKETPLACE Tech
Page 29 and 30: MEMBER | DIRECTORY Lifetime Members
Page 31 and 32: MEMBER | DIRECTORY Ideal Aerosmith
Page 33 and 34: MEMBER | DIRECTORY St. Marys Univer
Page 35 and 36: © 2009 MasterGraphics With the rig

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