With reduced prices of solar panels and they are now being used in critical applications worldwide, manufacturers are faced with the challenge of adopting newer technologies with innovative ideas. They need to come up with a wide range of products designed to meet the needs of any solar power application. Manufacturers are now not only using innovative designs but also innovative materials like polyester film and small organic molecules that can produce more electricity from sunlight. Here are some of the latest types of solar panels launched in 2012-13.
Friday, April 12, 2012:
Model: ONYX series, Brand: Phono Solar, Manufacturer: Phono Solar Technology Co Ltd, China
Launched in February 2013, ONYX series AC module combines sleek black aesthetics with best of class technology by Phono Solar. The new AC module is designed to maximise energy output. Each AC module is integrated with a frame attached Enphase microinverter without a centralised inverter. Easy to design and safer to install, the modules include pre-manufactured cables and are delivered ready for connection, for fast and inexpensive mounting.
Key features
– 25-year performance guarantee of 90 per cent up to 10 years and 80 per cent up to 25 years
– CEC program registered and offer product certification to UL 1703 and IEC 61215
– Modules hold a Class C fire rating
– High efficiency of over 16.0 per cent
Contact details: Ph: +86 25 5863 8000, [email protected],www.phonosolar.com
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Model: Eagle series, Brand: JinkoSolar, Manufacturer: JinkoSolar Holding Company Ltd, China
Launched in January 2013, new Eagle series of solar modules is built with JinkoSolar’s innovative cell and assembly technology, enabling it to resist potential induced degradation (PID) under the toughest weather conditions. The development of the new age PID-free modules enables project developers to lower the risks involved and guarantee high returns on investments. These modules generate high peak power, which is a record for commercially available mass-produced modules.
Key features
– Modules can generate up to 260 W peak power
– High performance and reliability
– Certified under weather conditions of 85 degrees Celsius and at 85 per cent relative humidity
Contact details: Sebastian Liu, Ph: +86 21 6061 1792, [email protected], www.jinkosolar.com
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Model: Solar Stash, Brand: Power Practical, Manufacturer: Power Practical, USA
Launched in December 2012, Solar Stash is a rugged portable solar panel, built specifically for working remotely. It charges cell phones, GPS and other USB compatible devices. Introduced by Power Practical, an alternative energy start-up, Solar Stash is estimated to have 200 per cent more wattage output compared to existing products. The panel comes with what the company claims is the only practical meter that shows users how much power is being supplied to their USB device.
Key features
– It is 40 per cent smaller and 15 per cent lighter than other such similar products and hence is an ideal tool for any backpacking kit
– It comes with a meter that provides realistic expectations, with regard to charge times
– Designed to work with any USB compatible charger
Contact details: www.powerpractical.com
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Model: Virtus II, Brand: ReneSola, Manufacturer: ReneSola Ltd, China
Launched in November 2012, the Virtus II multi-crystalline modules are ReneSola’s first locally produced PV modules for the Indian market. The company expects to provide 250 MW of India-made PV modules over a two-year period. The India launch follows the successful introduction of the Virtus II solar modules to the US and Australian markets. This solar module is an ingenious combination of the high quality and efficiency of mono-crystalline modules, with the lower cost of multi-crystalline modules.
Key features
– Cell type: Virtus II 156 x156 mm, 60 (6×10) pieces in series
– Glass: High transmission, low iron, tempered glass
– Frame: Anodised aluminium alloy
– Junction box: IP65/IP67 rated, with bypass diodes
– Dimensions: 1640 x 992 x 40 mm
– Weight: 19 Kg
– High module conversion efficiencies
– Mechanical load capability of up to 5400 pa
– Easy installation and handling
Contact details: Tony Hung, Ph: +86-573-8473-9011, [email protected], www.renesola.com
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Model: Sunmodule, Brand: SolarWorld, Manufacturer: SolarWorld AG, USA
Launched in September 2012, Sunmodule’s 270 W and 265 W mono-crystalline solar panels tap advanced light capture and energy conversion technologies to achieve power density in a 60-cell format. This panel combines numerous advances in materials, processes and design. These advances include using more advanced technology on the front of the cell to convert more light into electricity, modifying the back of the cell to increase electrical conductivity and adding anti-reflective glass coatings that transmit more light while withstanding environmental degradation.
Key features
– Plus-sorting guarantees highest system efficiency
– 25 years linear performance guarantee and extension of product warranty to 10 years
– Maximum performance degression of 0.7 per cent per annum
– Cells per module: 60
– Cell type: Mono-crystalline
– Cell dimensions: 156 mm x 156 mm (6.14 in x 6.14 in)
– Front tempered glass (EN 12150)
– Frame clear anodised aluminium
– Weight: 21.2 kg
Contact details: Devon Cichoski, Ph: 805-377-2905, 805-388-6388; [email protected], www.solarworld-usa.com
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Model: SF 220 and SF 260, Brand: Hanwha Solar, Manufacturer: Hanwha SolarOne Ltd, China
With the aim of improving the performance of its professional line in June 2012, Hanwha Solar has enhanced the efficiency of its existing poly modules—the SF 220 and SF 260. The newly improved modules are now available in power classes of up to 300W, and are designed for long-term performance and rough conditions. Its 72-cell SF260 poly module has passed the rigorous TÜV Rheinland long term sequential test.
Key features
– Guaranteed quality: 12 year product warranty, 25 year performance warranty
– Predictable output: Positive power sorting of 0 to +5W
– Innovative solutions: Anti-reflecting coating for high sunlight absorption
– Robust design: Module certified to withstand high snow loads, up to 5.4 kN/m2
– Long term responsibility: Free module recycling in PV Cycle member countries
Contact details: Ph: 86-21-3852 1666, www.hanwha-solarone.com
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Electronics Bazaar, South Asia’s No.1 Electronics B2B magazine
