Panasonic has launched the ‘HIT-N245’ and ‘HIT-N240’ PV modules. The HIT-N245 module has a conversion efficiency of 19.4% and comes with several upgraded features intended to provide overall improved operational performance, notably for residential rooftop markets.
Problem
Lower feed-in tariffs across many European markets are increasing the need for high-performance modules to ensure adequate return on investment (ROI) for residential owners, while requiring high-quality products for longevity.
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Solution
The new HIT modules are designed for residential rooftop applications that require high-performance and high-quality PV modules for longevity. With a module efficiency of 19.4% and a cell conversion efficiency of 22% the HIT-N245 ranks as one of the highest performing modules on the market. The company claims that the modules also have a very low temperature coefficient of negative 0.29%/°C, and therefore superior operating over conventional cells in normal operating conditions.
Applications
Residential rooftop.
Platform
The new HIT modules come with a special water-drainage frame: drainage lines in the module frame allow for constant discharging of accumulated water. As water is not allowed to dry on the module, there are no drying stains, and any build-up of humidity inside the panel is effectively prevented. The water drainage frames are also claimed to help to keep modules clean, even in low-angle installations. The modules are IEC 61285/61730 certified by JET and the company claims a very low 0.0039% of guarantee cases out of 3,309,916 solar modules produced for the European market (as of December 2013).
Availability
The upgraded HIT-N240 will be available from January 2014 and the new HIT-N245 will be available in Europe in spring 2014.