Norway's REC last week announced it is to begin production of a new high-performance TwinPeak Series solar panel that boasts 17% efficiency.
The TwinPeak Series module comprises 120 half-cut multicrystalline cells, four busbar and passivated emitter rear cell (PERC) technology, as well as a split junction box. Combined, the design increases power by around 10 watt peak (Wp) per panel, achieving a 275 Wp performance that makes the panels suitable for rooftop installations in the growing residential, commercial and industrial solar markets.
REC claims that the TwinPeak Series is 100% free from potential induced degradation (PID), and is able to withstand the harshest environments without suffering a loss in power. By splitting the junction box into three separate units reliability is improved while heat build-up is minimized thanks to the new layout.
The 120 half-cut cells have a higher fill factor and suffer less resistive loss, say REC, while the PERC architecture improves the cells light absorption capability, which boosts overall performance. The addition of a fourth bus bar helps to improve the flow of current, which in turn delivers better efficiency.
"The TwinPeak Series represents the latest example of our drive to continuously improve our technology and product offering," said RECs director of product marketing and global expansion, Cemil Seber. "The Series offers a cutting-edge solution on a polysilicon platform that can strongly compete with monocrystalline solar panels on efficiency and performance, which are essential to the rooftop solar markets."
The TwinPeak Series will be manufactured at REC's Singapore facility. Production follows the recent launch of the company's 72-cell panel range for large commercial and utility scale installations. The 120 half-cut cell version has been designed specifically for rollout in the rooftop sector an industry REC is confident is set to boom globally.
Bloomberg New Energy Finance (BNEF) recently forecast global rooftop PV capacity to reach 1 TW by 2030, with the U.S. and Europe leading the way. Commercial rooftop growth is strong in the U.K. and Germany in 2014, notes REC, while the U.S. and some Asian countries are delivering exciting growth in the residential rooftop sector, the company says.
In August, REC signed a deal with U.S. solar leasing provider Sunrun to supply its customers with REC panels.
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