At Intersolar, First Solar, Inc. announced the commencement of a limited production run of the world's first bifacial solar panel that is based on the CdTe thin-film semiconductor technology. The new module, called the Series 6 Plus Bifacial PV, is an extension of First Solar's successful Series 6 monofacial module platform, and made its industrial debut at Intersolar Europe. It incorporates an innovative transparent back contact that enables the module to gain energy from both sides (bifaciality) and also allows infrared wavelengths of light to pass through rather than being absorbed as heat. This feature is expected to reduce the operational temperature of the bifacial module and increase its specific energy yield.
The Series 6 Plus Bifacial module offers a combination of bifaciality, a superior warranted degradation rate, the ability of CdTe thin-film technology to generate more energy per watt, exceptional reliability and durability, and an innovative module design. The monofacial version of the Series 6 Plus module already boasts an industrybest warranted degradation rate of 0.3% as well as superior temperature coefficient that enhances energy production. Unlike crystalline silicon panels, the Series 6 Plus module does not suffer from losses due to LID and LeTID. Furthermore, the module is manufactured under one roof with 100% traceable quality assurance and surpasses IEC standards for high temperature, high humidity, and extreme desert and coastal applications.
First Solar is investing about $370 million to build a cutting-edge R&D innovation center in Perrysburg, Ohio, which is set to be the first of its kind in the Western Hemisphere. Due for completion in 2024, the facility will house a high-tech pilot manufacturing line for producing full-sized prototypes of thin-film and tandem PV modules.
The text is an excerpt from TaiyangNews New Solar Products Overview H1/2023, which can be downloaded for free here.