Daanaa Introduces Zodiac: A Revolutionary Substring Inverter Solution for PV Module Integration, Enhancing Energy Harvest by Up to 42%
A Breakthrough in Solar Power Electronics
Daanaa Resolution, Inc., a pioneer in power system electronics and semiconductor technology, has unveiled Zodiac, an advanced power electronics solution designed for seamless integration into photovoltaic (PV) modules. This cutting-edge technology is engineered to enhance system performance by embedding DC optimization, inversion, rapid shutdown, and diagnostic functionalities directly at the substring level—the smaller groups of solar cells within a PV module. By incorporating these essential features into the module itself, Zodiac eliminates the need for external power electronics, allowing manufacturers to deliver high-performing, easy-to-install PV modules with optimized energy generation, enhanced reliability, and greater tolerance to light obstructions.
Addressing Long-Standing Challenges in Solar Energy
Traditional PV systems are designed with solar cells connected in series, meaning that their overall performance is constrained by the weakest cell in the series. Even minor inconsistencies—such as shading, soiling, micro-cracks, or manufacturing variability—can result in substantial energy losses. Furthermore, conventional PV systems rely on external power electronics, including microinverters, string inverters, and DC optimizers, to manage energy conversion, system safety, and efficiency. These external components introduce additional points of failure, increase system complexity, and raise installation and maintenance costs.
With Zodiac, Daanaa has revolutionized this approach by introducing a distributed power conversion architecture that enables each substring to operate independently, maximizing energy harvest. By removing reliance on external power electronics, Zodiac significantly simplifies PV system design and installation, reduces failure points, and lowers long-term operational costs.
Key Benefits of Zodiac
Zodiac offers a wide array of benefits that make it a game-changer for PV module manufacturers, solar installers, and end-users alike:
1. Maximized Energy Harvest
Unlike conventional systems where the lowest-performing cell dictates the performance of the entire module, Zodiac enables independent substring optimization, ensuring that each substring generates power at its full potential. This innovation leads to an average energy gain of 15% in typical installations and up to 42% in shaded conditions, setting a new standard in solar efficiency.
2. Simplified Installation with Reduced Hardware
Since Zodiac eliminates the need for external DC optimizers, microinverters, and additional power conversion devices, the system design becomes significantly simpler and more cost-effective. With fewer components and connectors, installers benefit from faster deployment times, while end-users enjoy a more streamlined and reliable PV system.
3. Lower Operations & Maintenance (O&M) Costs
PV systems integrated with Zodiac experience fewer hardware failures due to the removal of external electronics and connectors, which are common failure points in traditional systems. Additionally, its advanced monitoring and diagnostic capabilities enable rapid issue detection and resolution, minimizing downtime and reducing long-term maintenance costs.
4. Enhanced Safety & Compliance
Zodiac is designed with built-in rapid shutdown functionality, ensuring compliance with safety regulations such as the National Electrical Code (NEC) 690.12. By embedding shutdown capabilities at the substring level, Zodiac provides a higher level of safety for firefighters and system operators, preventing potential electrical hazards in emergency situations.
5. Faster Return on Investment (ROI) & Lower Levelized Cost of Energy (LCOE)
With higher energy yield, lower installation expenses, and reduced O&M costs, Zodiac enhances the financial viability of solar projects. End-users can achieve a faster return on investment while benefiting from a lower levelized cost of energy (LCOE), making solar power more accessible and economically attractive.
Independent Validation & Industry Recognition
The performance benefits of Zodiac have been rigorously analyzed and independently validated at the IEEE Photovoltaic Specialists Conference (IEEE PVSC). The research findings, published on IEEE Xplore, confirm that reducing substring size significantly boosts energy harvest, with shaded rooftops achieving up to 42% more energy output compared to conventional PV systems. These findings highlight Zodiac’s potential to transform solar power generation, particularly in urban environments where shading and obstructions are prevalent.
Introducing Zodiac Prototypes: Virgo & Pandora
To enable PV module manufacturers to experience the benefits of Zodiac firsthand, Daanaa is making Zodiac prototypes available for evaluation. The system is comprised of two core components:
- Virgo: The primary module that connects directly to solar cell substrings, performing DC optimization, inversion to high-voltage AC, rapid shutdown, and substring-level monitoring & diagnostics.
- Pandora: The aggregation module that collects AC power from multiple Virgo units and delivers a single AC output to the grid. Pandora also acts as a communication interface with external gateways and monitoring systems.
Zodiac is designed to be integrated directly onto the back of a PV panel, providing a single output connector for seamless installation. The system offers flexible design configurations, allowing manufacturers to optimize PV modules based on the number of cells per substring.
Industry Leaders Endorse Zodiac’s Innovation
“The solar industry has long faced challenges related to power losses and system complexity due to the dependence on external power electronics,” said Udi Daon, CEO of Daanaa Resolution, Inc. “Zodiac directly addresses these issues by embedding multiple functionalities at the PV module’s substring level. This innovation not only simplifies system design and installation but also enhances energy generation and long-term reliability. We’re excited to introduce this groundbreaking solution to PV module manufacturers, enabling them to create more efficient and resilient solar panels.”
How to Order Zodiac Prototypes
PV module manufacturers interested in integrating Zodiac technology into their products can now order Zodiac prototypes for evaluation and testing.
Zodiac represents a major breakthrough in PV module technology, offering a holistic, integrated power electronics solution that maximizes energy output, simplifies installation, and reduces operational costs. By enabling substring-level optimization, built-in inversion, rapid shutdown, and advanced monitoring, Daanaa’s Zodiac sets a new standard for the solar industry.
As the global transition to renewable energy accelerates, solutions like Zodiac will play a critical role in enhancing solar power efficiency, reliability, and accessibility. With its proven performance, industry recognition, and immediate availability for manufacturers, Zodiac is poised to redefine the future of PV module design and energy generation.
