Silicon Energy, an innovative manufacturer of world-class solar photovoltaic (PV) modules, headquartered in Marysville, Washington is announcing the release of its Next Generation Cascade Series PV module at the Future Energy Conference.

In 2007, Silicon Energy combined sustainable manufacturing practices and materials sciences in building the first generation of the Cascade Series PV module and integrated mounting system. The Cascade Series challenged the solar photovoltaic industry by offering customers a safer, more attractive and more durable PV system, and in 2011 offered an industry-leading 30-year power warranty.

Silicon Energy now continues its history of innovative design with the Next Generation Cascade Series PV module which uses less embedded material without sacrificing strength, durability, or aesthetics. These innovations result in increased performance and power output.

The Next Generation Cascade Series module highlights:

+ Anti-reflective coating on the front glass

+ Next Generation advanced encapsulant

+ Lighter weight mounting hardware withoutsacrificing system strength

+ Up to 1/3 less roof penetrations to reduce material costs and increasing speed of installs

+ 12 AWG wire for reduced voltage drop

+ Amphenol connectors with a higher current rating and increased reliability

+ American Fittings Raintight conduit connectors provide redundancy in grounding and improved mechanical and electrical bonding

+ UL listed tin coated ground lugs with stainless set screws

Gary Shaver, president of Silicon Energy said, "Our relationships with suppliers and research laboratories allows our engineering team to integrate innovative concepts and advanced material sciences into our products. We're excited to see how architects and building designers integrate our new, even more attractive Cascade Series PV modules into the building envelope and overhead structures to achieve contemporary and functional designs. Our customers know Silicon Energy is trusted, committed and sustainable and will appreciate these improvements - and we're not done yet!"

The Cascade Series PV module and mounting system retains the innovative double-glass, open-frame design that promotes shedding of water, dirt and snow. The cascading modules allow airflow behind the module and keep the system cooler. Both features increase system performance and energy harvest.

The Cascade's enclosed wiring system and pass-through lighting features make it ideal for creative building integrated photovoltaic (BIPV) installations such as window awnings, carports, shelters and electric vehicle charging stations - in addition to traditional rooftop and ground-mount installations. Custom mounting hardware colors are available giving integrators, designers and architects even greater control over the look and feel of their PV installations.

Silicon Energy is shipping the Next Generation Cascade Series PV module to Washington customers starting next week and will be introduced in other markets in early 2013.