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Understanding solar panel technologies
I’m new to solar panels and have been browsing online trying to understand all the acronyms of the technologies such as PERC, BOS etc but am still confused as to what I should be looking for.
For example, i am looking at the Canadian Solar Hiku7 series https://www.csisolar.com/hiku7/.
Could any assist me in better understanding these technologies. Thannks
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3 Replies
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Here’s an explanation of the terms PERC, BOS, LCOE, LID, and LeTID:
PERC (Passivated Emitter and Rear Cell): PERC technology is an enhancement of the traditional solar cell design that improves efficiency. A PERC cell typically includes a passivation layer at the rear of the cell. This layer serves multiple functions: it reflects light back into the cell for a second chance at absorption, it provides a thermal barrier to protect the cell’s sensitive electronics, and it can passivate the rear surface to reduce electron recombination (which can lower efficiency). PERC cells can capture more sunlight and convert it into electricity, making them more efficient than non-PERC cells.
BOS (Balance of System): The term BOS refers to all components of a solar photovoltaic system other than the solar panels themselves. This includes wiring, inverters, mounting systems, and other electrical components. BOS costs are all the expenses related to these components and the installation and labor costs. Reducing BOS costs can significantly impact the overall cost of a solar power system.
LCOE (Levelized Cost of Energy): LCOE is a measure of the average total cost to build and operate a power-generating asset divided by the total energy output over the asset’s lifetime. It is a comprehensive metric that includes initial capital costs, ongoing operation and maintenance costs, the cost of financing, and the expected lifetime of the system. A lower LCOE means that the electricity produced is more cost-effective over the life of the system.
LID (Light Induced Degradation): LID is a phenomenon in which solar cell power output decreases over time when exposed to sunlight. It is primarily associated with the degradation of silicon crystalline cells, where exposure to sunlight leads to unwanted chemical reactions in the silicon, thereby reducing the efficiency of the cells.
LeTID (Light and Elevated Temperature Induced Degradation): Similar to LID, LeTID is a degradation process that affects the performance of solar cells, but it occurs at higher temperatures and light exposure. It is a relatively new discovery and is considered more severe than LID because it can lead to significant performance losses over time. It is also a more challenging problem to mitigate, requiring advanced materials and cell design.
Solar panel technologies like PERC aim to reduce the effects of LID and LeTID to improve the long-term performance and reliability of solar panels. By choosing solar panels that are designed to mitigate LID and LeTID, consumers can ensure that their solar power systems will perform closer to their initial efficiency levels for a more extended period.
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Honor
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Sure, this refers to the type of connectors that are provided with a solar panel system. Here’s a breakdown of what this means:
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Stäubli: This is a brand name, and Stäubli is a company known for producing high-quality industrial connectors, including those used for photovoltaic systems.
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MC4: This stands for “Multi-Contact, 4 millimeters,” and it’s the standard type of connector used in the solar industry to connect solar panels to the inverters or to each other. The “MC” in MC4 is actually short for the company Multi-Contact (now Stäubli Electrical Connectors) which originally developed these connectors. The “4” refers to the 4mm diameter contact pin, which is a common size that allows for a secure electrical connection.
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EVO2: This indicates a specific model or version of the MC4 connectors, suggesting improvements or specific features that differentiate it from previous versions. The EVO2 version might have features such as better locking mechanisms, higher current carrying capacity, or improved durability.
When a solar panel system advertises that it “comes with Staubli MC4-EVO2 connectors,” it means that the system includes these connectors, which are used for making the electrical connections between the solar panels, and possibly to the inverter. The inclusion of such high-quality connectors is often an indication of a system’s overall reliability and ease of installation.
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