As our state positions itself as a “space industry hub” it’s interesting to note that many everyday South Australians are already involved in this industry.

That’s because rooftop solar technology has been linked to the space industry for decades. The startling advances in solar production efficiencies is just one trickle-down-effect of these roots in the space race.

Sharpe Energy Hub partners with leading industry manufacturers. One of them is HT-SAAE, which has been developing solar technology for the satellite industry since the 1960s.

Its panels have won many accolades, most recently worldwide awards for reliability and fire resistance.

Independent solar panel tester PV Evolution Labs ranked HT-SAAE sixth in its 2020 PV Module Reliability Scorecard.

HT-SAAE panels were torture tested to evaluate several key areas.

For example, the “thermal cycling” test involved freezing panels to -40C then heating them to 85C to see if joints cracked or bonds fatigued. This process was repeated 600 times over 12 weeks.

A “flex test” involved subjecting the panels 1000 times to hurricane-like wind forces while a test for voltage degradation saw the panels being stressed with heat and humidity for over 90 hours while output was monitored.

Meanwhile, in a different assessment, HT-SAAE panels achieved a Class A certification for fire prevention.

To achieve this they had to pass a “burning block” test, where a fuel block was placed on the panel and burnt to 880C. The standard for passing the test is that no component can fall off the test platform until the block has completely burned.

HT-SAAE passed the Class A fire test in accordance with the IEC 61730 standard, avoiding secondary combustion, effectively preventing the spread of flames and smoke.

Act now: Phone Sharpe Energy Hub, inquire online or request an in-home appointment.  Our showroom, which has all the eco-efficient systems we supply and install on display, is conveniently located at 71 Port Road. It is open six days a week.