2015/4/7, we hold the opening ceremony for EKO Inashiki Solar Park, the second solar power plant site constructed following the EKO Ami Solar Park. We would like to express our deepest gratitude for all the parties attended regardless of the bad weather. During the ceremony, some events were performed, such as (Shinto) ritual for praying the proper site operation, tape cutting and explanation of the plant facilities.

There are 5,880 PV modules installed in the park, and these can generate approx. 1,700,000kWh annually, which capacity equals to power consumption of 420 households. So it is expected that EKO could contribute to the local power infrastructure. We also use pyranometers for surveying solar radiation and the array monitoring system for power observation. It is the one of the main feature that the park is focusing on the power generation efficiency.

The new generation grating spectroradiometer MS-711 is designed to provide the most accurate solar spectral data outdoors. The MS-711 is a unique all weather sensor, without any moving parts. The detector core is temperature controlled to provide accurate irradiance measurement data within the spectral range from 300nm to 1100nm (UV / Visible / NIR). Designed and optimized for solar reserach applications. Superior to any fiber optics sensor, no moving parts. Mandetory for extensive solar spectral research in the field of energy meteorology, agronomy and material testing.

The company Black Photon introduced the "Air-Shield". This anti-soiling system designed for the MS-56 pyrheliometer keeps the quartz window free from sand, dust, rain, or snow but also insects and dirt buildup.

The working principle consists of a high flow of filtered air projected in front of the sensor window. The air is filtered with a 3-stage high efficiency particle filter and then accelerated in an air turbine. From the turbine, a flexible hose supplies the air through the injector head in front of the pyrheliometer window.

The system can be easily attached and retrofitted to any installed MS-56 pyrheliometer. The AirShield system can be either grid-connected or operated through a solar power battery system to allow remote off-grid operation.

November 19th, 2014, EKO Instruments co. ltd. held the 13^th annual Symposium at Tokyo, Japan. The yearly event, to share business knowledge and all latest topics, is considered as a valuable and important meeting not only for people working in the PV field but in general renewable Markets in Japan.

This year theme ”the future of photovoltaic generation”, five panelists spoke about the trend of energy policy, challenges and sustainabilty of long-term operation. The EKO panelist gave a lecture about irradiance measurements and photovoltaic generation at EKO Ami-PV site after one year operation.

EKO Instruments Co. Ltd. offers ISO17025:2005/ISO9847 accredited pyranometer and pyrheliometer calibrations as a unique in-house service, providing  the  best quality solar sensor calibrations compliant to ISO17025/ISO9847 international standards.

EKO Instruments Co. Ltd. calibration laboratory are accredited and certified by PJLA (Ref: #74158) to perform pyranometer and pyrheliometer calibrations in accordance with the requirements of ISO/IEC17025, which are relevant to calibration and testing.

EKO can offer a unique manufacturer calibration service for pyranometers (Thermopile and Si detector models) and pyrheliometers in-house. Based on the applied calibration methods EKO provides the best quality solar sensor calibrations compliant to the international standards defined by ISO/IEC17025 / 9847 (Indoor method) and 9059 (Outdoor method), as defined by the scope of calibrations.

ISO/IEC17025 provides a globally accepted basis for laboratory accreditation that specifies the management and technical requirements. With calibrations performed at the EKO Instruments laboratory we enable our customers to:

• Clearly identify the applied calibration methods and precision
• Be traceable to the World Radiation Reference (WRR) through defined industrial standards:
  • ISO9846 Calibration of a pyranometer using a pyrheliometer
  • ISO9847 Calibration of field pyranometer by comparison to a reference pyranometer
  • ISO9059 Calibration of field pyrheliometers by comparison to a reference pyrheliometer

• Obtain repeatable and reliable calibration test results through consistent operations examined independently to assure strict compliance to the requirements.

Our clients will obtain a high level of confidence when purchasing an ISO/IEC17025 calibrated sensor. Our Accredited lab is yearly re-examined to ensure that they maintain their standards of technical expertise.

The new MP-11 answers to the demand to test large capacity PV strings up to 18kW with a short reponse (sweep time). The MP-11 I-V checker is designed for the professional user, which need to provide accurate PV plant performance data in an outdoor environment.

Based on EKO Instruments long tradition in manufacturing I-V tracers and Solar radiation sensors, the MP-11 Power Performance Checker is the best tool to perform accurate power performance and integrity tests of PV modules or arrays on site. The all in one measurement solution makes PV module testing very easy, hence all required accessories like the radiation sensor, temperature sensors, cables and PC software for control and extended data analysis are included in one portable enclosure. For the engineer who is responsible for the electrical system, inspection, periodical maintenance and commissioning, the MP-11 performance checker will make the job easier than ever before.