Photovoltaic modules: the race for higher efficiency continues in 2022
Innovation in the field of solar cells is driving the development and production of ever more efficient and cost-effective photovoltaic modules. Thus, development has progressed from multi-bus technology to half-cell technology modules and is currently moving towards modules in the form of tiles or tiles.
Increasingly larger wafers
In 2022, the power of photovoltaic modules as well as the size of wafers continues to increase. Wafers with a diameter of 182 mm2 (M10) or 210 mm2 (M12) are rising as the new standard. The use of larger silicon wafers allows production costs to be reduced while at the same time increasing the efficiency of the solar module. Leading manufacturers have started mass production of photovoltaic modules with a power output of more than 500 watts, some even with more than 600 watts.
More efficient photovoltaic modules
High-efficiency monocrystalline photovoltaic modules currently have a higher worldwide market share compared to multicrystalline modules. According to a report by the International Energy Agency (IEA), the share of PERC (Passivated Emitter Rear Cell) technology in crystalline solar cells already exceeded 65% in 2019. In the first half of 2020, the average efficiency of multicrystalline PERC cells reached 20.6% and that of monocrystalline PERC cells 22.4% to 22.5%.
Heterojunction technology (HJT / HIT) with cell efficiencies of over 25% is considered another important step towards even higher efficiency.
Bifacial modules at the forefront
Bifacial modules, which have two faces and can thus receive light from two sides, taking advantage of diffused and reflected light from the ground, are becoming increasingly popular. In combination with single-axis trackers they have a high potential for reducing production costs in ground-mounted photovoltaic installations. Bifacial modules are increasingly used in agriculture and also for floating applications. The IEA expects these PV modules to reach a market share of 50 percent by the end of 2023.
Glossário
Célula solar: É um componente elétrico que converte a energia radiante, geralmente a luz solar, diretamente em energia elétrica. A aplicação da célula solar é fotovoltaica, onde serve como fonte de energia. As células solares são divididas em duas categorias: células baseadas em wafers e células baseadas em película fina.
Tecnologia half-cell: Células fotovoltaicas cortadas ao meio gerem metade da corrente de uma célula convencional, o que reduz as perdas de energia e torna o módulo mais eficiente.
Tecnologia busbar: Ligações entre as células fotovoltaicas, permitindo o fluxo de eletrões.
Wafers: São finas peças de material semicondutor, que convertem luz em eletricidade.
Which photovoltaic module is right for your installation?
The large offer of efficient PV modules makes the choice even more difficult. To select the right photovoltaic module for your solar installation, you should first answer the following questions:
- What results are to be achieved with the installation?
- What is the available space for the installation of the modules?
- What is the desired aesthetic appearance?
SOLVasto can advise on the best choice of photovoltaic module for your installation. Please contact us.
