Comments on: JA Solar Attains 18.3% Multicrystalline Solar Cell Efficiency Record

By: Bob_Wallace

Bob_Wallace — Thu, 08 Aug 2013 04:33:00 +0000

Well, how about somewhere in the 1.5% to 2.8% range?

I suspect red tape is going to become less a cost over time. Some states (Vermont, IIRC) have streamlined the permitting process. As subsidies disappear that will take a lot of the paperwork away.

Yes, not inverters. Frames and racks should drop proportionately with increases in efficiency. Cable, not much.

By: JamesWimberley

JamesWimberley — Wed, 07 Aug 2013 23:42:00 +0000

My correction unfortunately crossed with your true comment, Bob.
But I question whether the parts of the system other than the cells will see the same proportional improvement from the cell efficiency gain. Glass, encapsulants and back circuitry, yes, because they are simply proportional to area. Frames, mountings, inverters, cabling: less. Red tape: not at all.

By: Bob_Wallace

Bob_Wallace — Wed, 07 Aug 2013 14:43:00 +0000

Moving from a 17.8% to 18.3% efficiency panel is a 2.8% improvement.

A 2.8% more efficient panel means that 2.8% less glass and aluminum frame is needed for the same wattage. It means 2.8% less shipping, racking, real estate and labor. The BoS parts of a solar system.

A small increase in efficiency makes for a larger system savings.

By: JamesWimberley

JamesWimberley — Wed, 07 Aug 2013 14:31:00 +0000

“Solar cell and solar panel efficiency isn’t as big an issue as some have made it out to be.” I agree that it’s often raised in bad faith, with silly comparisons to the efficiency of gas turbines which burn a depleting, climate-busting, and scarce resource. But a half a percent efficiency gain on a mainstream multicrystalline PV cell is worth having. It’s half a percent gain in lifetime output and the same reduction in the panel part of the cost. This matters more than records in fancy high-end multijunction cells which will never get outside niche markets.