PV Panels

 I Heinz, understand how essential longevity and efficiency is, the need for proven success in the field and the necessity to install top-quality world-renowned products . That’s why, when it comes to selecting Panels and Inverters for your system, I only ever install respected brands and products. The systems I install substantiate success; outperforming our conservative analytics time-and-time again.

Panel Brands We Use & You Can Trust (all Tier 1, all certified by the C.E.C)

❖    REC Group                https://recgroup.com/en

❖    Seraphim                   https://www.seraphim-energy.com/

❖    Suntech                     http://www.suntech-power.com/

❖    Sunpower                  https://www.sunpower.com.au/

❖    Hanhwa Q-cells         https://www.hanwha-qcells.com

❖    SolarEdge                 https://www.solaredge.com

❖    Solarwatt                   https://www.solarwatt.com.au/

❖    Et Solar                     http://www.etsolar.com/

❖    LG Energy                 https://www.lgenergy.com.au/  

❖    Risen                         https://www.risenenergy.com.au/

❖    JA Solar                    http://www.jasolar.com/html/en/

❖    Longi                         https://en.longi-solar.com/

PV Panel Technology and Terminology

Split Cell/Half Cell Modules:

These terms essentially mean the same thing, the panels cells are split or cut in half. Solar panels traditionally have 60 and 72 cells and when sliced these cells double to 120 and 144 half-cut cells respectively. This technology comes with a few major benefits: (1) smaller cells experience reduced mechanical stresses, (2) which decreases the chance of cracking and (3) increases/heightens the output rating of the panels. (4) Improved shading response if the bottom proportion of a panel is affected by dirt, dust, bird droppings and shading from trees/buildings/antennas the top half will still perform. This technology dramatically boosts the PV modules power, efficiency and reliability, resulting in greater savings and an even faster payback period.

[Courtesy of Seraphim]

 PERC:

The above stands for Passivated Emitter Rear Cells or Passivated Emitter Rear Contact, most commonly referred to as PERC (to save one's jaw). Solar Panels that incorporate PERC technology achieve higher energy conversion efficiency by adding a dielectric passivation layer on the rear of the cell, this layer reflects unabsorbed light that has passed through the panel so that it can be reabsorbed by the cells which in turn produces more energy and increasing the overall efficiency. Another benefit of the PERC technology is its ability to create an even steady flow of electrons which helps to  produce additional electrical currents, this combined with a reduction of solar cell heat that are caused by specific wavelengths maximises the overall output of the PV panels, leading to a more cost-effective and efficient solar energy system.

What are DC Optimisers:

Yes, these are technically not part of the PV panel manufacturing process, as they are fitted to the panels later during the install period (SolarEdge panels are the only exception to the rule, as these panels are pre-fitted with optimisers). With the variety of available panels on the market there comes a plethora of DC optimisers to suit. Each of these optimisers are designed to achieve the same result of countering the effect I call ‘working at the lowest denominator’. As panels are connected on an electrical string, when efficiency drops due to shading, degradation, soiling, etc, on any one of the panels, all other panels will be suppressed, performing at the same rate.

Basically put, a DC optimiser(s) is a cost effective solution to ensure a PV panel can pass the maximum current no matter how badly it is shaded, so that it doesn't affect the entire string.