TenKsolar
| File:TenKsolar logo.png | |
| Company type | Private |
|---|---|
| Industry | Solar Energy |
| Founded | 2008 |
| Headquarters | 9549 Penn Avenue South, Minneapolis, MN, 55431 United States |
Area served | United States |
Key people | Dallas W. Meyer (President, Chief Technical Officer) Jeffrey J. Hohn (Chief Executive Officer) Dr. Lowell Berg (Vice President of Engineering) Joel Cannon (Chief Strategy Officer) |
| Products | tenKsolar RAIS® Wave System |
| Website | tenksolar |
tenKsolar specializes in the design, production, and distribution of an integrated photovoltaic solution that incorporates proprietary electronics and a low-voltage parallel configuration. This innovative design achieves a 45% increase in energy density alongside enhanced reliability relative to traditional solar setups, while offering exceptional safety against shock and arc flash hazards.
History
The foundational intellectual property for tenKsolar’s technology was developed by founder Dallas Meyer in early 2008. That same year, the company secured $8 million in seed capital.
By 2009, tenKsolar established a partnership with Minneapolis-based thin-film producer 3M, which provided reflective film materials to boost light concentration on solar panels. This collaboration facilitated the RAIS (Redundant Array of Integrated Solar) Wave system’s capability to deliver up to 50% more energy per square foot compared to conventional solar arrays.
The company commenced panel shipments in September 2010, generating close to $3 million in revenue. In that year, it raised $5.64 million and initiated a Series B funding round aimed at accelerating market penetration. Major backers included PrairieGold Venture Partners and the National Rural Telecommunications Cooperative.
In April 2012, a $15.5 million Series B financing round was led by Hanwha Corp and ESP Novusmodus LP, supported by Ireland’s Electricity Supply Board, to fuel tenKsolar’s expansion.
On July 8, 2013, tenKsolar entered into a strategic partnership with Gehrlicher North America to implement its high-efficiency RAIS technology across solar projects throughout North America.
Operations were halted in May 2017.
Technology
The RAIS WAVE system produced by tenKsolar integrates photovoltaic modules, power electronics, static reflectors, and mounting hardware arranged in a distinctive wave-like pattern designed specifically for flat roof installations. The system employs a parallel wiring scheme at a low voltage of 50 V for cells, modules, and inverters. This architecture minimizes single points of failure and inherently enhances safety by eliminating risks of arc flashes and fatal electric shocks. Utilizing module-level power electronics combined with static and non-uniform reflectors, the system achieves approximately 20% higher energy output per installed Watt when used alongside its integrated reflective components. Additional safety features include automatic ground fault detection with shutdown capabilities.
In contrast to conventional solar arrays that connect modules in series to form strings operating between 300 V and 1000 V linked to centralized or string inverters, tenKsolar’s parallel configuration isolates performance issues to individual cells or modules. Whereas failures or shading in traditional systems reduce the output of entire strings, tenKsolar’s design limits such effects solely to the affected component, preserving overall array performance.
Safety considerations distinguish tenKsolar’s approach significantly. Standard photovoltaic systems carry inherent dangers of severe electric shocks and arc flash incidents, necessitating rigorous safety protocols for installation personnel and emergency responders—risks that have been documented during firefighting events. By employing a low-voltage parallel layout combined with internal ground fault detection mechanisms, tenKsolar’s technology effectively eliminates these hazards, promoting its product as fully safe.
In May 2011, the company released its third-generation RAIS® photovoltaic module rated at 180 W featuring high-efficiency mono-crystalline cells arranged in a proprietary matrix pattern; this design reportedly delivers up to 60% greater energy per rooftop area. Subsequently, by August 2012, tenKsolar expanded its product line with larger modules including a 420 W poly-crystalline and a 440 W mono-crystalline model mounted at a fixed tilt of 22 degrees to accommodate diverse installation requirements.
Cessation of Operations
In May 2017, Ten K Solar declared the discontinuation of the majority of its business activities, attributing this decision to extensive inverter malfunctions that resulted in reduced sales alongside escalating warranty and maintenance expenses.
External links
- American companies established in 2008
- Manufacturing companies based in Minneapolis
- Photovoltaics manufacturers
- Solar energy companies of the United States
- American brands
- Manufacturing companies established in 2008
- 2008 establishments in Minnesota
- Energy companies established in 2008
- Companies of the United States by year of establishment