Trina Solar Limited today announced that its high-efficiency Honey solar module has set a new world record for peak power output for P-type monocrystalline silicon PV modules, as independently certified by TUV Rheinland. The module was developed in the Company's State Key Lab of PV Science and Technology and is composed of 60 156mm x 156mm high-efficiency Honey monocrystalline silicon cells. It generates a peak power output of 335.2W, breaking the previous world record of 326.3W, set by Trina's Solar's original Honey module in April 2014. Also today, SunEdison, Inc. announced new zero white space (ZWS) solar module technology. The technology can increase solar module power output by up to 15%, effectively decreasing the total system cost by up to 8%.
"We are thrilled to once again break the power output world record for P-type monocrystalline silicon PV modules just six months after we first set it. Through our advanced State Key Lab of PV Science and Technology Trina Solar is delivering on its commitment to be the innovation leader in the industry," said Dr. Zhiqiang Feng, Technology Vice President and Director of the State Key Laboratory of PV Science and Technology of Trina Solar. "The fact that we have broken the world record twice within just half a year gives us confidence in the huge potential to commercialize modules with higher efficiency, thereby reducing the cost of achieving grid parity and providing high-efficiency solar energy to more households in the near future."
"SunEdison's ZWS technology is a major achievement that will significantly reduce the cost of solar energy," said Dave Ranhoff, president of solar materials at SunEdison. "Most high efficiency solar modules rely on expensive solar cells, but ZWS technology boosts performance by optimizing the solar module itself. Our R&D centers in St. Peters, Missouri (US) and Bengaluru, India, developed module prototypes which delivered a 10% increase in peak power output, using commercially available PERC cells - and this is just the beginning of where ZWS can take performance."
ZWS technology works by reducing the unused area on the front surface of the solar module not directly involved in electricity production. Specifically, ZWS utilizes the area between cells, eliminates losses due to bus bar shadowing, and reduces electrical losses. A reduction in losses and an increase in active area results in higher power output.
Ranhoff added: "This technology is particularly well suited for area-constrained residential installations. By increasing efficiency without adding cost, we can increase the economic value of solar - in many cases by thousands of dollars. And as an added benefit, ZWS technology creates a beautiful black finish which is highly valued by homeowners."
Using proprietary solar module technology, SunEdison is currently capable of producing 350 watt peak modules in a 72 cell format. ZWS technology will first be utilized to transform these modules and boost the performance up to 400 watts. High volume manufacturing is expected to begin in the second half of 2015.
