Panasonic solar module posts world-leading output temperature coefficient

Panasonic Corp. says it has achieved the world’s leading output temperature coefficient for mass-produced silicon photovoltaic modules, at -0.258%/°C. This record-breaking innovation sets a new standard for the solar industry, improving on the previous temperature coefficient by 0.032 points at the mass production level, highlighting the positive temperature characteristics of heterojunction solar cells and further improving Panasonic’s unique heterojunction technology.

Temperature coefficient explained

Output temperature coefficient is a vital metric in evaluating solar modules as a measurement of how quickly their conversion efficiency degrades as the temperature rises, thereby reducing the output. The standard silicon solar cell’s output temperature coefficient is -0.50 percent, which denotes a decline of 0.50% in the conversion efficiency as the module temperature rises by 1° C. For instance, at the module temperature anticipated in the summer months (75° C), the conversion efficiency will decrease by 25% in comparison to the environment at 25°C.

Panasonic HIT modules, which boast an improved output temperature coefficient, will nearly halve the decline in the conversion efficiency, significantly increasing performance in high temperature settings.

Why high-efficiency modules are the best value for installers, homeowners

The combination of the high conversion efficiency with the new temperature characteristics, will increase the conversion efficiency at 75°C by 46 percent in comparison to standard silicon products. When most solar panels are struggling with the increased temperatures during the summer months, Panasonic HIT modules reliably generate power and limit efficiency losses in the heat. Not only that, Panasonic modules come with a 25 year warranty vs the industry standard of 10 year warranty, and guarantees output of 90.76% at the end of the 25th year, which in itself is industry’s best performance guarantee coming from a 100-year-old world leading electronics company.

— Solar Builder magazine

[source: http://solarbuildermag.com/news/panasonic-solar-module-posts-world-leading-output-temperature-coefficient/]