Schneider Electric recently unveiled its 1MW dual-voltage solar power plant for its production base in Smyrna, Tennessee. The power generation system is the first dual-voltage solar power station in the United States and will be used for Schneider Electric's testing and research.

The 6-acre Smyrna Power Station is the third MV-class power plant built in Tennessee. It uses solar inverters, transformers and switchboards manufactured by Schneider Electric and generates approximately 1.3 million kWh of electricity per year. The entire project cost 6.25 million U.S. dollars, 30% of which was used as a federal tax credit.

"The question of the reliability and availability of energy, coupled with the rising energy prices of today, has made more and more people pay attention to the benefits of using alternative energy," said Jeff Drees, president of Schneider Electric USA. "Through this investment, we hope to set an example for other companies, provide an experimental platform for product development and design, and promote the development of renewable energy."

Dual voltage power stations can operate at 600VDC or 1000VDC. When the power station operates at 1000V, it reduces the components in parallel by 40% at 600V, thereby reducing the energy loss caused by the resistance.