New Kyocera modules for Europe, Africa and Middle East

Starting in June, Japan's No. 2 module manufacturer, Kyocera, will offer three new modules with power ratings between 125 and 167 W.
 

© Kyocera Classic blue: The KC158G-2 contains conventional polycrystalline cells.

Two of them have polycrystalline cells with textured surfaces previously associated only with highly efficient monocrystalline cells. They attain these micro-structures with so-called "reactive iron etching," which allows multiple reflection and better absorption of light than plain cell surfaces. The module frames are black-anodized to match the almost black appearance of the cells.

The KC167G-2 has 48 cells and the KC125G-2 36 cells, resulting in 167 and 125 W. The third new module, the KC158G-2, has a rated power of 158 W and is made from 48 common polycrystalline cells. That's why it has about 5 percent less power than the 167 W module despite being the same size.

	©  Kyocera   Black elegance: Kyocera's new KC167G-2 module absorbs much more light thanks to textured cells

All modules come with a standard junction box, cables, and MC connectors. IEC approvals are not yet received; the power tolerance is 5 percent. The product guarantee is two years; the power guarantee is 12 years at 90 percent and 25 years at 80 percent of the minimum power. The recommended end-consumer price before taxes is €5 ($4.50) per watt. Jochen Rühle from Kyocera Fineceramics GmbH, Germany, says the modules, which were manufactured in Japan, are specified according to requirements for the European markets, and will be sold only in Europe, Africa and the Middle East. However, the US division of Kyocera published in early June that they will also sell the KC158G in America.

datasheet

Kyocera Fineceramics GmbH
Solar Division
Fritz-Müller-Str. 107
D-73730 Esslingen, Germany
phone +49/711/93934-73, fax -50
Jochen.Ruehle@Kyocera.de
www.kyocerasolar.de

Susanne von Aichberger, Michael Schmela
© PHOTON International, June 2002