The achieved temperature coefficient of -0.258%/°C, will increase the conversion efficiency by 46%, thus making them ideal for hot climate regions such as the Middle East
Dubai, United Arab Emirates: Panasonic has once again achieved the highest efficiency of solar panels with a temperature coefficient of -0.258%/°C. This coefficient is the world’s highest level for a mass-produced solar panel. This time, Panasonic has improved the output temperature coefficient by 0.032 points (from -0.29%/°C) by making improvements to the “heterojunction technology,” which is a characteristic of the company’s “HIT” solar panel. These temperature characteristics will increase the conversion efficiency at 75°C by 46% in comparison to general silicon products.
According to Panasonic, solar modules are ideal for energy generation in hot climate areas, because their output is not affected as the temperature rises. A general silicon solar cell’s output temperature coefficient is -0.50%, which denotes a decline of 0.50% in the conversion efficiency as the module temperature rises by 1°C. Panasonic’s HIT® modules, which boast an improved output temperature coefficient, will almost halve the decline in the conversion efficiency reliably generating power in the summer during which solar cells are known to degrade efficiency.
Mr. Atsushi Karasawa, Sales Director, Eco Solutions Division – PMMAF, commented: “Renewable energy projects are a key component of current developments in the region, and there is substantial new interest and investment from government to foster solar energy. Technology innovation in the solar sector has played an important role in the rapid demand growth for rooftop solar systems in the region, and globally as well. Panasonic has been a forerunner in providing efficient solar solutions for over four decades, and with the new efficiency record, HIT modules offer huge returns for our customers’ investment while supplying reliable power generation.”
Modules are composed of solar cells, i.e., semiconductors, whose conversion efficiency degrades as the temperature rises, thereby reducing the output. The output temperature coefficient indicates the degree of such decline. 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 will continue to work on technology development and mass commercialization with the aim of achieving higher power generation, and improvements in efficiency and reliability.
About Panasonic:
Panasonic Corporation is a worldwide leader in the development of diverse electronics technologies and solutions for customers in the consumer electronics, housing, automotive, enterprise solutions and device industries. Since its founding in 1918, the company has expanded globally and now operates 474 subsidiaries and 94 associated companies worldwide, recording consolidated net sales of 7.553 trillion yen for the year ended March 31, 2016. Committed to pursuing new value through innovation across divisional lines, the company uses its technologies to create a better life and a better world for its customers.
About Panasonic Marketing Middle East and Africa FZE (PMMAF):
Panasonic Marketing Middle East and Africa FZE (PMMAF) is the Regional Headquarters, all functions related to Sales and Marketing, Supply Chain and Customer service solutions, and Advertising functions under the brand name Panasonic is handled by PMMAF. The vision at PMMAF is to be the No 1 Customer-centric Company and No 1 Customer-preferred brand in the Middle East and Africa region.
