Test results: tests reveal high yields FEE panels

Research abstract

In 1999/2000, ECN tested PV modules of nine different types during indoor and outdoor measurements. The electrical and thermal properties of the modules were determined and in simulations the energy yield of these modules under typical Dutch meteorological circumstances was calculated.

Main results

Free Energy Europe Solar Panels | Solar Panel test by ECN
Of each of the 9 main modules brands, 2 modules have been tested. The most interesting results are the energy yields, in other words ‘how much energy (kWh) is produced by a certain quantity of installed solar panels (1 kWp)’.
The table below indicates the resulting annual DC yields (power production by the solar panel) and AC yields (power production by the complete system, including inverter losses) for all modules under test, determined for typical Dutch meteorological conditions (TRY) and roof-integrated PV modules. AC yields have been based on using a Sunmaster 2500 PV inverter.

The table also indicates the energy production per square metre and the performance ratio. The performance ratio is a measure for the real energy production in relation to the theoretical maximum energy production, independent of the amount of solar irradiation.

Manufacturer
 		 DC yield
kWh/kWp		 AC yield
kWh/kWp		 AC yield
kWh/m2		 Performance
ratio
UniSolar • (a-Si) 1164 1038 64 0.95
Free Energy • (a-Si) 1084 961 40 0.88
BP Solarex • (a-Si) 1001 888 47 0.81
BP Solarex • (mono-cSi) 977 868 117 0.80
ASE • (EFG-Si) 966 857 104 0.79
Kyocera • (multi-cSi) 964 856 105 0.79
Siemens • (mono-cSi) 963 855 110 0.79
Shell Solar • (multi-cSi) 961 853 90 0.78
Siemens • (CIS) 930 824 67 0.76

The table shows that amorphous silicon modules can be expected to produce more energy for the same amount of installed nominal peak-power. The expected annual energy production of 1 kilo-Watt-peak of FEE panels is over 12% higher than that of 1 kWp of the average crystalline silicon panels.

Special mention

The report mentions about the A13P of Free Energy Europe:
‘The FEE module shows constant efficiencies at almost all light levels and it consequently scores well in terms of kWh/kWp. The temperature coefficients of all amorphous silicon modules are much lower than that of crystalline silicon modules.’

Report:

J.A. Eikelboom and M.J. Jansen, June 2000. Characterisation of PV Modules of New Generations - Results of tests and simulations. The Netherlands Energy Research Foundation, report ECN-C-00-067.

Available for download from ECN website • PDF file, 706 kB