TCL TZE’s latest multi-cut cell-based module offers up to 15 W higher power output and an efficiency gain of up to 0.5%, compared to half-cut cell-based counterparts
In partial shading conditions, this module generates up to 17% higher power than its half-cut cell-based peers
Its lower operational resistive losses contribute to a reduction in operational and rated hotspot temperature, resulting in improved product reliability
TCL TZE, a China-headquartered vertically integrated PV manufacturer and a subsidiary of TCL Technology Group Corporation, unveiled its latest T5 Pro series PV modules at a product launch event.
Power, efficiency, reliability, and customer value proposition are among the key features of the new product, the company emphasizes.
According to the company’s official LinkedIn thread, this module series uses TOPCon cells cut into 3 equal parts along the longer side of the wafer, rather than being cut into 2 halves (half-cells). This ‘multi-split’ cell configuration with shorter busbar length reduces the current to1/3rd of the full cell, which translates into resistive power losses of up to 11%. In comparison, the half-cell configuration reduces this potential loss to up to 25% of the full cell rating. In addition, this lower-resistance design with reduced thermal losses supports zero gap-based cell-to-cell interconnection of 180 multi-cut cells in module dimensions of 2,382 × 1,134 mm. The company states that this ‘high-density’ cell configuration delivers a power output of up to 760 W, which is up to 15 W higher compared to half-cell-based counterparts. Meanwhile, the increase in active cell area due to the elimination of cell-to-cell gaps results in an efficiency gain of up to 0.5%, taking the module efficiency up to 25.17%. However, the company’s press release didn’t share whether this gain is in absolute or relative terms. The company claims that this module with smaller sub-cells generates up to 17% more power than half-cut cell-based peers under partial shading in complex site conditions.
In addition to power and efficiency gains, its lower resistive losses contribute to a lowering in the module’s nominal operating temperature by 1°C to 1.5°C compared to standard modules. The company adds that this attribute lowers module hotspot temperatures by 45°C, in turn reducing potential fire risk and enhancing the product’s reliability. For installations in coastal regions with high humidity and salt spray, this module passes the salt mist corrosion test in combination with sequential stress tests, like thermal cycling and damp heat. Following these tests, its power degrades by only up to 0.22%, compared to the industry standard 5%.
In terms of customer value proposition, the company cites an example of a 700 kW commercial & industrial (C&I) rooftop project in Suzhou, China, where this module reduced balance-of-system (BOS) costs by up to 2.63%. It also estimates up to 4% higher power generation with a reduction in the levelized cost of electricity (LCOE) by 0.66% to 1.82% during its 30-year lifetime.
According to Mr. Ju Xia, Vice President of TCL Zhonghuan and General Manager of the Cell & Module Business Unit, the company aims to break free from ‘price involution’ and move towards a quality-based development with these new products.