
New solar module technologies: LHS, half-cut, MBB
The terms Light Harvesting Stings (LHS), half-cut (HC) cells and multi-busbar (MBB) are constantly appearing in the current discussion on photovoltaic modules. They promise higher yields and higher efficiencies. IBC`s guest author René Schüler explains what this is all about.
Light Harvesting Stings (LHS)
Conventional standard ribbons will block the sunlight by covering the active cell areas. With the use of the LHS the special groove/pyramid structure will leads to the effect, that the incoming light will be reflected as shown in the image gallery below and will increase the amount of light which can reach the active cell areas. Based on the point that up to 80% of this blocked sunlight can be regained an efficiency gain on module level of up to 3 % – depending on module and cell configuration – could be theoretically possible with the LHS technology. LHS provides:
- Lower cell resistance
- Increased light capture by the cells
- Improved efficiency and reliability
- No additional processing steps necessary – one soldering step
Half-cut (HC) cells
Half-cut means that modules consist of 120 smaller instead of 60 larger cells. In a traditional silicon cell-based PV module, the ribbons interconnecting neighboring cells can cause a significant loss of power during the current transport. Cutting solar cells in half has been proven to be an effective way to lower resistive power loss. Modules like the IBC PolySol 280HC-MS with this technology provide:
- Reduced resistance = reduced power loss
- Higher fill factor = better energy yield (~ +0.5-1%)
- ~1,5 %- 2,5 % power increase (in % range because cell eff. and types are different)
- Lower string current and lower NMOT
- Better shading performance
Multi-busbar (MBB)
MBB means that a solar cell is equipped with 12 or 16 busbars instead of 4, 5 or 6. This means the modules provide a higher power output and a higher reliability:
- ~2 % – 2,5 % power increase (in % range because cell eff. and types are different)
- Shorter „transportation path“ for current
- High reflectance wire design with less shading
- Mechanical load performance increased
- Risk of micro crack decreased
Benefits for installers and owners of PV systems
How do installers and owners benefit from the new cell technologies? Actually, it’s all about the PV system’s performance. A higher power output of a module based on new cell technologies and with costs relatively similar to traditional modules, speeds up ROI (return on invest). This makes modules based on new cell technologies a good choice for everyone who want a quicker return on their investment and the highest system performance possible. Smart solar solutions, such as LHS, HC or multi-busbar technology therefore contribute to lower energy costs while simultaneously improving system performance.
LHS
Cell connector from Schlenk “LHS SELECT“ with a reliable structured front surface (pyramid structure). The connector is based on a copper strip silvered on both sides and selectively pre-tinned at the locations where the connections to the cells will be made.
Comparison Mono PERC with Mono PERC half-cut module design
Comparison 5 busbar (ribbon) with multi-busbar (wire) technology – increase absorption of light due to the reduction of shading based on the round wire design
View our range of solar pv panels >>
Trackbacks and pingbacks
No trackback or pingback available for this article.
Categories
Recent Posts
- SolarEdge – Fully Integrated Optimized Solar PV! February 8, 2021
- Fox LV5200 Low-Voltage Battery IN STOCK January 30, 2021
- IN STOCK – The Upgraded Third Generation Pylontech Battery January 12, 2021
- Solar investment tax credit extended at 26% for two additional years (USA) January 3, 2021
- Fronius Solar Inverters Review 2020-2021 December 12, 2020
- Optimizing solar PV systems: Planning, hardware selection and monitoring December 3, 2020
Archives
- February 2021 (1)
- January 2021 (3)
- December 2020 (2)
- November 2020 (5)
- October 2020 (8)
- September 2020 (3)
- August 2020 (2)
- July 2020 (5)
- June 2020 (7)
- May 2020 (5)
- April 2020 (6)
- March 2020 (6)
- February 2020 (5)
- January 2020 (6)
- December 2019 (7)
- November 2019 (5)
- October 2019 (4)
- September 2019 (3)
- August 2019 (3)
- July 2019 (4)
- June 2019 (5)
- May 2019 (5)
- April 2019 (1)
- March 2019 (2)
- February 2019 (7)
- January 2019 (8)
- December 2018 (6)
- November 2018 (4)
- October 2018 (6)
- September 2018 (7)
- August 2018 (6)
- July 2018 (5)
- June 2018 (5)
- May 2018 (10)
- April 2018 (8)
- March 2018 (8)
- February 2018 (2)
- January 2018 (8)
- December 2017 (10)
- November 2017 (7)
- October 2017 (13)
- September 2017 (16)
- August 2017 (10)
- July 2017 (11)
- June 2017 (7)
- May 2017 (15)
- April 2017 (14)
- March 2017 (11)
- February 2017 (11)
- January 2017 (8)
- December 2016 (5)
- November 2016 (5)
- October 2016 (3)
- September 2016 (7)
- August 2016 (3)
- July 2016 (4)
- June 2016 (1)
- May 2016 (20)
- April 2016 (17)
- March 2016 (12)
- February 2016 (12)
- January 2016 (12)
- December 2015 (13)
- November 2015 (17)
- October 2015 (17)
- November 2014 (6)
Leave a reply