The panel presented in the release is a typical type of NewT@N series with power output range to 700 W. The panel is based on N-type 210mm wafer, using 6 plus 11 half-cut layout, with size of 2384mm plus 1303mm and average conversion efficiency of 22.5%. However, with utilization of steel frame, the weight of the panel is “slightly (2-4%) higher” than previous type with aluminum frame.
Senior R&D director Liu Yafeng presented the features and specifications of the new product to over one hundred professionals and representatives from the industry who participated the release. According to Liu, the new alloy steel frame is with higher strength, higher stiffness and climate adaptability than conventional aluminum frame. More importantly, the steel production was proved to be with much lower carbon emission than production of aluminum, for example the energy cost was reduced by 3 times, which made the steel frame a better choice in a fast growing solar PV world.
Additionally, compared to 2.67 times of coefficient of thermal expansion between aluminum and glass, the coefficient of thermal expansion between steel and glass is only 1.3 times which made much lower expansion risk in temperature change. That will greatly help the PV module product to be adapted with varies of different climates all over the world.
As more and more solar PV module deployed for cleaner energy supply, aluminum cost increased rapidly. The international aluminum price increased by over 70% to peak in past October compared to January. And this also pushed up the total cost of solar system.
Risen said for its latest NewT@N series product, compared to conventional aluminum frame type, the M10 (182mm wafer) 580 W Module type with alloy steel frame can reduce extra up to 8.69% BOS (Balance of System) cost and up to 5.95% LCOE. Risen said its major high power products of TITAN and NewT@N series will use alloy steel as frame in future.
