Tech Performance

[dkasolarcentre]

A question recieved via email:

My name is XXX XXX, and I live in Israel, and I hope you can answer my question.

I wonder if you guys have information on the difference between a-Si and mono crystalline panels. I used Suntech with 17.6 conversion rates, and I would like to know if Dupont a-Si panels with 7.5% conversion rate are comparing in performance as the supplier is claiming. If it is true, then I do not understand it.

[dkasolarcentre]

Unfortunately we do not have tests on those particular panels. We do test chrystaline and amorphous panels and have seen the amorphous perform very well, although with a substantially lower efficiency they do require a larger surface area to produce the same amount of area.

Regards,

Lyndon

[PanBarry]

Base technical side, crystall si module has higher efficiency as you mentioned and amorphous si thin film has lower efficiency. Then at the same area, the crystal si module will produce higher out put power. But for the end user, the cost is most important factor, so current market, the amorphous si thin film cost less than crystal si module base dollar per power. Due to the lower efficiency, the mounting system will cost more and cost more labour to install. At last, we should get the whole picture to understand fuly before we commit it.