July 27, 2010 -- Microsemi Corporation and Spelsberg, in conjunction with its partner, the Fraunhofer Institute for Solar Energy Systems ISE, today announced the development of a disruptive new technology for photovoltaic (PV) solar modules. Spelsberg ELS is a German based expert in connection systems for PV modules, and Fraunhofer ISE is the largest solar energy research institute in Europe.

Microsemi has worked with Spelsberg ELS and Fraunhofer ISE to develop a breakthrough solar bypass technology that significantly increases reliability while reducing power dissipation in the critical bypass diode by up to ninety percent as compared to today's typical solutions. Microsemi products based on the technology will implement Microsemi's patented, ultra-low-power CoolRUN technology that enables increased power generation efficiency and significantly reduces operating temperatures while slashing the operational expense, reliability problems and associated warranty costs of traditional solutions using Schottky diodes.

Microsemi's newly developed technology will be used in solar modules for commercial, residential and industrial applications. The technology, in conjunction with Microsemi's high-reliability, 40-year design rule methodology will enable support for demanding industry warranty requirements and extreme environment survivability.

Microsemi and its partners believe that this breakthrough diode technology will have a particularly significant impact on the economic models of large-scale solar-energy providers in the power purchase agreement (PPA) market. The resulting reduction in thermal dissipation greatly improves reliability essential to solar powered systems' operational expenses and return on investment.

Go to the Microsemi Corporation website for product details.