Toyota harnesses renewables towards carbon-cutting efforts

The solar management tech utilises smart optimiser units

The initiative seeks to eliminate CO2 emissions across vehicles and production processes by 2050. An integral part of this challenge, known as “Challenge #3,” is focused on achieving zero CO2 emissions during the vehicle design and manufacturing phases.

One of the key solutions highlighted to fulfill the challenge is solar energy. Toyota Daihatsu Engineering & Manufacturing Co., Ltd, situated in Thailand, recognised the pivotal role of solar energy in reducing carbon footprint. In its pursuit of sustainability, the company embarked on an innovative journey to power its sprawling eight-building complex using solar energy.

To achieve its sustainability goals, Toyota set three core objectives for its photovoltaic (PV) systems: ensuring top-tier safety, maximising energy output, and simplifying maintenance. After careful consideration of various technologies, SolarEdge’s DC optimised inverter system emerged as the optimal choice and Toyota embarked on a project to deploy a 3.4MW capacity system that spans eight roofs.

By leveraging power optimisers, the PV modules were transformed into smart modules, resulting in elevated power output compared to traditional string inverters. The incorporation of SolarEdge’s maximum power point tracking technology ensures that each module operates at its peak capacity, regardless of the performance of other modules.

This innovation minimises power losses due to mismatched performance, while also allowing longer module strings, leading to reduced costs associated with components and installation.

In a system spanning multiple rooftops with over 9,600 modules, effective operation and maintenance is critical. SolarEdge’s module-level monitoring enables the detection of faults with pinpoint accuracy, creating automatic alerts for remote troubleshooting. This streamlined approach reduces the need for on-site visits for maintenance.

Additionally, SolarEdge’s focus on safety is evident through its SafeDC™ feature, which reduces DC voltage to a safe level during AC power shutdowns, enhancing safety during installation, maintenance, and emergencies.

By adopting SolarEdge’s advanced solutions, Toyota not only reduces its environmental impact but also showcases its commitment to a greener future. The PV system’s generation of 3.4MW of clean energy aligns seamlessly with Toyota’s vision of coexisting harmoniously with nature, as outlined in the Toyota Environmental Challenge 2050, which began in 2015.

SolarEdge is the world’s #1 solar inverter company in revenue with millions of systems installed in 133 countries. SolarEdge addresses a broad range of smart energy market segments through its PV, storage, EV charging, battery, UPS, and grid service solutions.

In 2021, SolarEdge and Unitek Co,. Ltd signed a contract to become the largest strategic distributor of optimiser and inverter products for the Vietnamese market. With a highly skilled technical team and modern equipment, and having supplied approximately 200MW to the market since 2020, Unitek believes that the combination of the two parties will provide the most optimal and secure solution for customers.

Toyota pauses most Japan production after quake The world's top-selling automaker Toyota said Friday it will halt operations on the majority of its Japanese production lines for three days as parts supply is hit by a recent powerful earthquake.

Toyota upgrades forecast even as Q1 net profit slumps Toyota upgraded its annual net profit forecast on Thursday, predicting an earnings boost from the weaker yen even after first-quarter net profit took a hit from pandemic-related supply chain issues.