Sanyos HIT modules with their high energy conversion efficiency have a reputation for providing more power per square meter, so are highly desirable for maximizing benefit from the FIT.
The newly accredited modules include the new N series, including the 240W module, which has a cell conversion efficiency of 21.6 percent and a worlds top level module efficiency for crystalline based silicon modules of 19 percent. Also accredited is the HD type 250W module, with 20.8 percent cell efficiency and 18 percent module efficiency. The new HD type, being a 250W output module requires just 12 modules to make up a 3kW system size, suitable for a standard UK residential home.
In checking the production facilities for the new HIT modules, assessor BRE Global 2 commended Sanyo on its excellent and detailed system for quality documents and procedures and also noted the company for taking its responsibilities within the scheme very seriously.
Since the start of the FIT in April 2010, the UK has enjoyed 42 megawatts of installations throughout 2010, accounting for approximately 16,000 households and a tenfold increase on the previous year (source: OfGem).
Sanyos HIT modules are known to have 99.9962 percent reliability thanks to their exceptionally low failure level. With these new high efficiency modules, homeowners in the UK installing solar systems will be able to generate more electricity than before and get further benefit from the FIT scheme.
Shigeki Komatsu, director of the European Solar Division for Sanyo commented: In the case of the UK, rooftops are rather limited in size and most installations are around two kW in size. This means that without high efficiency modules there is next to no benefit for the home owner. Not only do our products have the top level energy conversion efficiency, we also offer a performance guarantee of 80 percent after 25 years. This is critical for the homeowner since the UK FIT also lasts 25 years.
The new N type modules from Sanyo are already in production and the HD type will be available from March. All will be produced at the factory in Hungary, which is currently undergoing an expansion in production capacity from 165MW to 315MW, scheduled for completion in March.
