PHOTON International The Photovoltaic Magazine

More efficient area use improves efficiency of Photowatt modules

The parallel electrical connection of the individual solar cell strings in modules is generally quite visibly located along the rim above the cells. This was also previously the case with products from the French manufacturer Photowatt International S.A.

© PHOTOWATT International S.A.

Solar module PW5-175/165/155 from Photowatt: No more parallel string connection is in sight along the edge (right). For comparison, on the left is a module from an old series with visible metal ribbon on the upper edge.

But starting in Jan. 2005, Photowatt will move the connection onto the reverse side for module types within the PW5 and PW6 range. With a reduction in the spacing between cells from 4.5 to 3.5 mm to be implemented at the same time, the module surface area thereby will become smaller. This makes the product not only more attractive, but also leads to an increased module efficiency. For example, with the change from the model PW 1650, 175 W to the PW5-175 the efficiency is to increase from 13.1 to 13.6 percent. While the labeling of the models within the PW6 range is to remain the same despite new module dimensions, the compact modules PW5-85/80/75, PW5-135/125/115, and PW5-175/165/155 will replace the old versions named PW 850, PW1250, and PW 1650 when they are introduced onto the market.

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Photowatt International S.A.
33, rue Saint-Honoré - Z.I. Champfleuri
38300 Bourgoin-Jallieu, France
phone +33/474/9380-20, fax -40
marketing@photowatt.com
www.photowatt.com