Hello, fellow solar enthusiasts!
In the ever-evolving world of photovoltaics, passivated emitter and rear cell (PERC) technology has been taking a lead role due to its advanced efficiency and increased power production. Today, we will dive deep into how PERC technology is making a difference, and what this means for those considering solar panels for their home.
In the past year, the global solar photovoltaic (PV) generation saw remarkable growth, with a record increase of 270 TWh. This seems staggering until you realize the driving force behind this leap: the birth of new manufacturing capacities and technological advancements in solar power, specifically the migration from aluminum-back surface field (Al-BSF) cell technology to PERC technology. Most solar companies are adopting these more efficient solutions, bringing us even closer to a more sustainable future.
PERC technology, with its additional dielectric passivation stack at the rear of the cell and bifaciality potentials, has become the standard, replacing older methods such as Al-BSF. The reason? Enhanced efficiency in both PV cells and modules, resulting in an increase in module nameplate power. Moreover, there’s a growing trend amongst solar companies to install horizontal single axis tracker systems instead of fixed tilt systems – these trackers enhance kWh production per kW installed across various geographical locations.
But aside from energy production, how does this technology perform when it comes to its environmental footprint? IEA PVPS Task 12 Experts have adopted a life cycle assessment (LCA) methodology to measure the environmental impacts of PERC technology, compared to AI-BSF. Their findings? The switch to PERC potentially results in substantial reductions across the board – in greenhouse gas emissions, energy consumption, and resource depletion during the life cycle of PV systems.
The environmental evaluation illustrates that installing an enhanced solar array for home does more than just lower energy expenditure – it also promotes an eco-friendly lifestyle. For example, a solar company’s transition from Al-BSF to PERC could lead to decreased greenhouse gas emissions per kWh produced, because of the PERC cells’ improved energy conversion efficiency. What’s more, by occupying horizontal single-axis tracker systems, this environmental advantage is multiplied further.
In terms of energy consumption, shifting to PERC technology dictates a prominent drop in total consumption throughout a PV system’s life cycle. The driver behind this decline? Enhanced cell efficiency and superior manufacturing processes – reinforcing the crucial role of technological innovation in securing sustainability gains. Additionally, horizontal single-axis tracker systems present higher energy yields per unit of land area, optimizing energy production while reducing energy consumption per kWh generated.
As for resource depletion, both Al-BSF and PERC technologies depend on a similar suite of materials. However, efficiency improvements linked with PERC cells alleviate the strain on crucial minerals and metals, thereby fostering sustainability and resource fidelity.
With solar being a cornerstone of the clean energy transition, the potential environmental benefits of PERC technology highlight the importance of adopting solar panels for your home. By ensuring longevity in panel performance and advocating for environmentally responsible technologies, we can look forward to a sustainable future led by solar.
For my readers who are digging into the solar industry, I encourage you to explore the full report on this groundbreaking study here.
Stay tuned for more solar insights in the coming weeks and remember, the sun is the ultimate power source, let’s harness it together!
Original Articlehttps://pv-magazine-usa.com/2024/03/29/environmental-life-cycle-assessment-of-perc-solar-modules/
