National Semi, Suntech to Develop ‘Smart Panel’ Technology

National Semiconductor Corp., manufacturer of high-performance analog semiconductors, announced it is collaborating with Suntech Power Holdings Co. Ltd., the world’s largest producers of crystalline silicon solar panels, to develop “smart panel” technology. By incorporating National Semiconductor’s SolarMagic power optimizer chipset into Suntech solar panels they aim to improve the power output of solar systems.

"Smart panel technology is an important innovation that will help customers harvest more energy from their solar systems," said Shijun Cai, senior vice president of Suntech.

In May of 2009 in which the companies announced the signing of a memorandum of understanding (MOU) for Suntech to evaluate National Semiconductor’s SolarMagic technology with the intention of jointly promoting the technology and developing future solutions. Suntech has completed its evaluation and the two companies have advanced to the development phase.

"Suntech was one of the first companies to recognize the value that integrated high-performance microelectronics bring to a photovoltaic panel. We are proud of the results of our collaboration with Suntech to enable a next-generation product that will embed SolarMagic technology inside the junction box and ultimately boost the performance of solar arrays," said Michael Polacek, senior vice president, Key Market Segments and Business Development for National Semiconductor.

For more information, visit: www.naitonal.com or www.suntech-power.com