13 August 2012
Astronergy and its parent company, Chint, today announced the introduction of the CHSM6610P (BL) module, a lower cost alternative solar module for residential use.
Today in the US, dark/black modules are used on residential homes due to aesthetic demands. These modules are usually monocrystalline cells with a white or black backsheet paired with a dark anodised frame. Due to manufacturing processing and component differences, these modules are more expensive than the traditional blue polycrystalline modules.
Scientists at Astronergy Solar have developed improved design and manufacturing techniques for generating a darker-looking polycrystalline module as a direct alternative to monocrystalline modules that are typically used in the residential market. Visibly, the darker appearance polycrystalline module is achieved by the use of a non-visible soldering method, black backsheet, black frame and poly cells that are very dark in appearance due to coating and processing techniques.
According to Thomas Koerner, North America general manager for Astronergy, the approximate cost savings of the new polycrystalline module over a monocrystalline module is roughly 10%.
