NEWARK, N.J., June 22, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- Panasonic
Corporation today announced that it has achieved the world's
leading output temperature coefficient1 for
mass-produced silicon photovoltaic modules, at
-0.258%/°C2. 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 technology3.
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%4, 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.
"This latest innovation, combined with our efforts in conversion
efficiency, are living examples of Panasonic's relentless drive to
provide customers with the very best in residential solar
technology," said Mukesh Sethi,
Group Manager, Solar Division, Panasonic Eco-Solutions North
America. "The Panasonic HIT® is proven to offer the very best value
to consumers in the residential solar market, and this latest
development will be a massive help in locations where extreme heat
is a factor for consumers."
The combination of the high conversion efficiency with the new
temperature characteristics, will increase the conversion
efficiency at 75°C by 46%5 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.
Panasonic will continue to work on technology development and
mass commercialization with the aim of achieving higher power
generation, and improvements in efficiency and reliability. HIT® is
a registered trademark of the Panasonic Group.
Notes:
- According to research by Panasonic as of May 18, 2017, for non-concentrating silicon
photovoltaic modules
- Mean value obtained by a third-party measurement institution
based on measured values (in compliance with IEC 61853-1)
- Technology for junction formation required for solar cells that
covers the crystalline silicon base surface with an amorphous
silicon layer. This technology has the key feature of superior
passivation to compensate for the many flaws around the silicon
base surface area.
- Cited from "Reference value: (1) Crystalline silicon solar
cells" defined in the Japan Photovoltaic Energy Association's
Indication Guidelines (FY2017)
- Calculated based on a conversion efficiency of 15.6% (output
temperature coefficient of -0.50%/°C) for general silicon solar
cells and a conversion efficiency of 19.6% (output temperature
coefficient of -0.258/°C) for HIT®
About Panasonic Eco Solutions North America
Based in
Newark, NJ, Panasonic Eco
Solutions North America is a division of Panasonic Corporation of
North America, the principal North
American subsidiary of Panasonic Corporation. The company provides
a full range of energy-efficient building solutions, assembly
tools, construction tools, heating & air conditioning, lighting
controls and ventilation products for professional and industrial
use. Panasonic was featured in Fortune Magazine's 2016 ranking of
50 companies that are changing the world and doing well by doing
good. Specifically cited were its smart and sustainable
technologies, including its contributions to smart cities and the
electric vehicle revolution. Learn more about Panasonic's ideas and
innovations: https://panasonicmovesus.com/blog
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SOURCE Panasonic Corporation of North
America