Just like mobile manufacturers keep coming with a new handset every month with added features and advanced technology similarly, manufacturers of solar energy components keep innovating to bring cutting-edge and cost-effective technology to the table. The PV industry thrives on maximizing users’ ROI and the efficiency of the solar cells.
Over the last few years, technological advancement in the renewable energy industry is on the rise. With advancement, PERC (Passivated Emitter and Rear Cell) solar cell has emerged as the new favoured technology for manufacturers. It is an improved cell architecture which uses extra layers on the rear side of the cell to double the light absorption and increase overall “quantum efficiency”. It converts the solar light into usable electricity easily with its high-efficiency cells. It performs well in low-light conditions and high temperature. PERC cell technology is known for its flexibility and energy-dense solar installation.
What gives PERC cells an edge over conventional solar cells?
If we compare the construction of the standard and PERC cells, both of them use silicon to convert sunlight into electricity, the built is quite identical. However, the only difference PERC cells have is that one additional rear surface passivation layer. Passivation layer gives cells a boost to create more and be more efficient by improving and optimizing electron capture.
All solar cells have an aluminium layer on the bottom. Silicon normally has a higher refractive index than glass mirror, so the reflectivity of 89% is not great as the aluminium is backed by a glass mirror. However, the placement of additional passivated layer with a lower refractive index between aluminium and silicon can take the reflectivity to 98% which boost the overall efficiency of the panels.
The PERC cell architecture produces high-efficiency solar panels at a very competitive price. PERC has gained momentum in the past few years and is expected to acquire 50% of the share of the PV industry by 2020. Unlike standard solar cells, it can create the same amount of electricity with less PERC cells. Fewer cells help in the reduction of the cost of the overall system and balance-of-system costs.
Here are the 5 differences which make the PERC solar cells a smart choice;
Reduces electron combination: The tendency of electrons to recombine is called electron combination. The efficiency of a panel depends upon the free movement of electrons through the cell, electro combination hinders that flow. The extra passivation layer makes electrons powerful, invariable and compatible to produce more energy by aiding in their free flow.
Doubles the absorption capacity: Passivation layer reflects the unabsorbed light back to the solar cell for the second round of absorption. It soaks up all the scattered and reflected light. It helps in generating additional electricity and makes these cells more competent.
Maintains the temperature of cells: Solar cells often pile up certain wavelengths along with the sunlight in the rear layer, affecting the overall performance of the cells. The extra passivation layers reflect the wavelengths out and help in maintaining the temperature of the cells.
Higher Internal reflectivity: This feature of PERC solar cells allows users to explore new possibilities of installation and positioning methods. It also provides greater array layout flexibility. It can absorb sunlight, even in low light conditions and high temperatures.
Faster ROI and more savings: All the features of PERC cells mentioned above result in higher energy density and electricity generation. Increased energy density lowers the localized cost of electricity for the system. By leveraging on the above features of PERC cells, users can get faster ROI.
Pulling it all together
PERC cells are highly advanced technology for cleantech manufacturers across the world. Novergy, with its decade long experience in the industry, has produced high-efficiency solar modules with 25 years linear performance warranty for maximizing the energy production. If you are looking for solar panels and are ready for the switch, trust Novergy for its high-quality products. Visit novergysolar.com today to make informed decisions with the best in the business products.