REC Solar, the Norwegian heterojunction (HJT) cell technology-based module manufacturer, has launched its latest REC Alpha Pure 2 series monofacial module with power up to 430 W targeting the US market. It offers maximum efficiency of up to 22.2%. These are already in production at its Industry 4.0 fab in Singapore.
The manufacturer aims for the first shipments of the Alpha Pure 2 series modules to reach the US market in May 2024. The latest modules form the 5th generation of its lead-free HJT alpha technology series that it initially launched in 2019.
The new Alpha Pure 2 module series with 10 W power binning offers 4 different output power ratings, ranging from 400 W to 430 W, according to the datasheet. Its 132 half-cut HJT cell gapless interconnection configuration with a higher power density of 20.7 W/sq. ft. and an efficiency range of 20.6% to 22.2% makes it suitable for residential rooftops.
It has an overall dimension of 20.8 sq. ft. REC points out that the fewer manufacturing process steps for HJT cell production, a robust and flexible thin a-Si-based cell structure, and a metallization process at a lower temperature of 200 °C reduce the risk of microcracks. REC is offering a 25-year product warranty on the modules that have a lower temperature coefficient of –0.24%/K. The 25-year warranty is covered under the comprehensive REC ProTrust warranty package, it adds.
The President of REC Americas Cary Hayes says, "REC is committed to HJT and has a strong track record of manufacturing HJT solar panels. I believe this technology presents the biggest potential for efficiency leaps in the near-future."
Last year, REC Solar unveiled its 470 W new residential HJT solar module (see REC Unveils 470 W New HJT Solar Panel).
In 2021, the company introduced its first 100% lead-free HJT module, REC Alpha Pure, by removing lead from all other soldered components along with the HJT cell. This lead-free RoHS (Restriction of Hazardous Substances) compliant module simplifies the recycling after the panel's end of life and eliminates the risk of adding hazardous materials to the environment. It was the recipient of the Intersolar 2022 Award for these panels.