Featured in Europe’s solar reshuffle – 11-2014

Bi-facial to mainstream

Equipment supply: Although times are undoubtedly tough for PV equipment vendors, a range of next-generation technology is making its way on to the market. Bi-facial cell and module technology is a part of this, with equipment supplier Schmid saying that line upgrades could see cost-effective bi-facial production on multicrystalline lines currently in production.

With increased energy yield coming from both sides of the module, bi-facial PV cells and panels have a clear advantage over the industry standard, sunny-side up alternative. However, relatively high production costs and a market environment in which fierce price competition leads manufacturers to focus on cost reductions rather than higher efficiency alternatives have hampered …

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