Advanced Solar Cell Technology – Half Is More

Overview

It’s no doubt that solar energy is a superior choice for servicing practical energy needs. Whether you are powering an industrial setting or a cozy home, you should feel confident in your choice to use solar energy–but even after the choice to go solar is made, how can users enhance their power production to be the most efficient possible?

In this blog, we will discuss the benefits of using solar panels that utilize half-cut cells and how their innovative design is showing the solar world that half is more.

Lower Operating Temperature

Extreme heat is a well-known enemy to electronics. Advanced half-cut cell technology improves solar panel heat production. Split-cells generate less current than full cells. As a result, the generation of excess heat is minimized.

Minimizing heat production reduces the chance of hot spots. Since hot spots occur when part of a solar cell overheats, the performance of the cell is negatively affected as a result.

The ability for a half-cut cell to run cooler means increased performance and longevity of the entire panel.

Shade Resilience

It isn’t uncommon for solar panels to be installed in applications affected by shading. Since a solar panel comprises a cell series that is linked together by an interconnection line, one cell that becomes shaded can affect the performance of every cell within its interconnection series.

Split-cell panels have twice the amount of interconnection lines, allowing for more power production when a solar cell is shaded.

In the case of a traditional full-cell panel, decreased power performance caused by shading is especially prevalent due to fewer lines connecting series of cells. However, in a split-cell panel, the amount of interconnection strings is doubled. This means that if a split-cell panel becomes shaded, fewer cells will be exposed to subsequent energy loss and the integrity of the solar panel is retained.

Less Resistive Loss

In half-cut cell solar panels, the use of three junction boxes reduces internal resistance to increase power output.

Additionally, there is less distance for current to travel in a split-cells. When the distance that current needs to travel is reduced, there is less resistive loss, and power performance is increased.

Solar panels with split cell technology are able to achieve higher power outputs than traditional, full cell solar panels.

Conclusion

It is now clear to see how half-cut cell solar panels are the method of choice when looking to enhance power performance, increase product longevity, and retain the overall integrity of a solar panel. To learn more about split-cell technology, contact our sales team today. Being informed is the first step in building a solar system that you can trust–you’re already half-way there.

Increase Bifacial Rear-side Generation With Rail-based Racking

Adopting bifacial solar panels is becoming more prominent in the solar industry. As usage increases, studies reveal that mainstream racking solutions limit bifacial rear-side generation. At Aptos Solar Technology, we assist our customers in maximizing the performance of every bifacial solar panel we produce. In this blog, we will discuss the benefits that come with using a racking system designed specifically for bifacial solar panels.

Traditional Racking Solutions

Mainstream racking solutions are built with monofacial solar panels in mind. Most racking systems are designed with wind deflectors and brackets that run along the back side of the panels, with ballast blocks directly under the panels or between the PVs. This traditional design creates obstructions under the panels, which in turn will cause shadowing that prevents light from reaching the rear-side of the panel.

It is common for racking systems to maintain a low profile, but– for bifacial panels– a higher tilt and clearance with the roof will allow the rear-side of the panel to harvest more energy. While monofacial panels can operate unaffected in these racking conditions, bifacial solar panels can see a serious decrease in rear-side energy production when installed on traditional racking systems.

Keep Both Sides of the Bifacial Panel Exposed to Light

Maximizing the performance of bifacial panels relies on a simple concept: allow both sides of the panel to get as much exposure to light as possible.

Bifacial solar panels perform most efficiently when rail-based racking systems are used. These solutions work by placing rails along the perimeter of the solar panels, leaving the rear-side of the panel exposed to light and free of obstruction. Cables can be tucked along the rails minimizing the shading on the panels.

To get even more energy production from the rear-side of the panel, a racking system that allows to increase the tilt to at least 10° or 15° is preferred. In addition, a racking system that raises the height of the system up to 10″-24″ clearance at the front and that is designed to have larger interrow distance will also increase the bifacial gains.

Generate Up To 30% More Energy

When solar users choose bifacial technology for their panels, they increase their potential for energy generation by up to 30% –making the choice to use an optimized racking system the best investment for users who want to increase energy production and increase the return for their investment.  

Bifacial Solar Technology – The Market is Finally Ready

For years there has been much fascination around bifacial solar technology within the solar industry, and we definitely understand why. There’s no denying that the additional rear side power generation and improved performance in low-light conditions are serious advantages to consider when sourcing solar panels. Higher yield is always a win, right? So why haven’t we seen more bifacial panels deployed? In this blog, we will cover why bifacial technology hasn’t seen its peak and why it’s no longer the technology of the future, but the technology choice for today. 

Performance Advantages

The main attraction around bifacial solar panels is the ability to absorb light from both the front and rear sides of the panel. When installed on highly reflective surfaces (i.e., a light colored roof or white rocks at the base of a ground mount) an increase of up to 30% in yield can be produced from the rear side generation. 

More Bankable Than Ever

Decades of field data has been acquired and bifacial panels are gaining the confidence of solar developers and investors. With new industry standards for bifacial panels released by the International Electrotechnical Commission in 2019, consumers now have a clear common basis for measuring the current-voltage characteristics of bifacial products.

Lower Costs for Bifacial Technology

he stars have finally aligned and the cost of bifacial technology has come down significantly, allowing it to compete in the mainstream solar market. Now that bifacial pricing is comparable with that of monofacial solar panels, projections indicate that bifacial technology will gain a large share of total demand. 

Our customers only pay for the STC front side rated power, yet still get the benefit of rear side power generation. Bifacial modules offer higher power density, resulting in significant balance of system savings and demonstrate higher energy yield — altogether giving consumers the best levelized cost of energy(LCOE).

Not Your Average Bifacial Panel

Our team of product engineers has stacked advanced solar technologies to maximize the power performance of our bifacial panels. Because our panels utilizes half-cut cells, our bifacial panels absorb 3% more light than conventional bifacial panels.

Click here to learn more about our bifacial product line.  

Aptos Solar Technology Solar Panels Added to Loanpal’s Approved Vendor List

(Santa Clara, CA, July 8, 2020) – Aptos Solar Technology, a supplier of high-performance solar modules, is pleased to announce that its complete line of solar panels has been added to Loanpal’s approved vendor list. This new partnership will allow solar installers across the U.S. to offer Aptos Solar Technology solar panels with competitive financing options to residential customers.

“Our partnership with Loanpal comes at a critical time, as many American’s are seeking energy independence. We want to make high-performance solar technology accessible and the ability to offer financing will help facilitate our mission.”

Frank Pham, CEO & Co-founder of Aptos Solar Technology.

Aptos Solar Technology’s line of residential solar panels features a sleek, all-black design and patented Dual Nano Absorber (DNA) technology that allow the panel to operate at high efficiencies in extreme temperature environments. This line of high-performance solar panels is ideal for homeowners seeking reliable and affordable clean energy solutions.

“We are excited to see the demand for our line of solar panels in the market. Our partnership with Loanpal is timely, as our team has cultivated strong relationships with key distribution partners such as iSolar Brokers and others that will offer our line of innovative and cost-effective panels to its network of installation partners.”

Alex Kim, CFO and Co-founder of Aptos Solar Technology.

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Aptos Solar Technology is a U.S. based solar panel supplier committed to providing innovative and affordable solar technology. Aptos Solar Technology panels are optimized with patented Dual Nano Absorber (DNA) technology which allows the panel to operate at high efficiencies in extreme temperature environments. Aptos Solar Technology offers solar solutions suitable for utility, commercial, and residential applications. To learn more about Aptos Solar Technology visit www.aptossolar.com, follow @aptossolar on Twitter or connect on LinkedIn.

Loanpal is a financial conduit that connects, financial institutions, partners, and homeowners for solar and energy efficiency projects. In alignment with its world positive mission.  Loanpal has deployed $27 billion in loans over the past 15 years.  Loanpal’s fintech platform enables banks to deploy capital by connecting high-quality borrowers with various energy efficient solutions.  The company’s leadership is driven by the original founders, along with former SolarCity Executives who helped create the residential, commercial solar industry a decade ago. Loanpal is a proud partner of GivePower, a 5013c corporation, whose mission is to build and deploy solar-powered clean water and energy systems to communities in need around the world. To learn more about Loanpal visit www.loanpal.com.

iSolar Brokers is an international lean, efficient solar brokerage company designed to realize accessibility of quality products for the end user.  Specializing in technology based processes, and innovation to streamline every partnership – iSolar Brokers’ goal is to consistently bring logistical support, and cost-effective vertical solutions to every solar project.  To learn more about iSolar Brokers visit www.isolarbrokers.com

Aptos Solar Technology Announces Partnership With GivePower

(Santa Clara, CA, July 28, 2020) – Aptos Solar Technology, a supplier of high-performance solar modules, is proud to announce its partnership with GivePower, a non-profit organization committed to deploying renewable energy solutions in developing regions.

Using solar energy and battery storage, GivePower constructs desalination systems capable of providing up to 35,000 people with safe drinking water every day. GivePower aims to address the planet’s leading cause of death, waterborne disease.

In this new partnership, each solar panel that Aptos Solar Technology sells will result in a donation of its profits to GivePower. Aptos is the first solar module manufacturer to make such a pledge under GivePower’s GivePartner Program.

“As a new company, we find it absolutely necessary to cultivate a culture of purpose beyond profit. We empower our employees by sharing a portion of our gain with those that need a helping hand.”

Alex Kim, CFO & Co-Founder of Aptos Solar Technology.

Aptos Solar Technology joins forces with GivePower following its recent placement on Loan Pal’s approved vendor list. LoanPal is an official GivePower partner and a large contributor. The relationship between Loan Pal and GivePower inspired the Aptos Solar team and initiated an immediate collaboration.

“As a self-made, Vietnamese man that immigrated to the U.S. as a young boy, I have personally experienced kindness and generosity from others. It is my mission to return the goodness I’ve received. I’m very proud of my team. We are working incredibly hard to make solar energy affordable and obtainable across the globe.”

Frank Pham, CEO & Co-founder of Aptos Solar Technology.

100% of the donations will be used to provide renewable energy and clean water to regions in need.

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Aptos Solar Technology is a U.S. based solar panel supplier committed to providing innovative and affordable solar technology. Aptos Solar Technology panels are optimized with patented Dual Nano Absorber (DNA) technology which allows the panel to operate at high efficiencies in extreme temperature environments. Aptos Solar Technology offers solar solutions suitable for utility, commercial, and residential applications. To learn more about Aptos Solar Technology visit www.aptossolar.com, follow @aptossolar on Twitter, or connect on LinkedIn.

GivePower is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization committed to extending the environmental and social benefits of clean, renewable energy across the world. GivePower uses solar energy and storage technologies to deliver the most essential community services to the developing world. GivePower has helped power some of the economically poorest countries, including communities across more than a dozen countries in Africa, Asia, and Latin America. Visit GivePower at www.givepower.org and follow the organization on FacebookInstagram, and Twitter.

Aptos Solar Technology’s DNA Modules Pass Extended Reliability Testing

(Santa Clara, CA, October 8, 2020) – Aptos Solar Technology, a supplier of high-performance solar modules, announces a successful completion of accelerated environmental tests performed by Renewable Energy Testing Center (RETC). The data revealed from testing confirms the reliability of Aptos Solar Technology’s DNATM modules for extreme weather conditions over an extended period of time.

As a leader in defining quality standards for renewable energy products, RETC provides a rigorous series of tests to ensure the durability of solar modules. Achieving recognition by RETC, in addition to holding standard UL & IEC certifications, makes the DNATM module by Aptos Solar Technology a competitive choice for those seeking durability in module performance.

“A high-quality PV module not only demonstrates high performance at standard test conditions but also performs well in real-world conditions over its intended service life. Aptos has shown a continued commitment to module quality and performance by diligently testing their products and ensuring their bill of materials are proven to be durable.”

Cherif Kedir, President & CEO of RETC.

The DNATM product line surpasses base standards for solar modules by 3x the amount recommended by the International Electromechanical Commission (IEC). This means that the number of hours or cycles required by the IEC in each test category was tripled and the DNATM series was able to perform below the degradation base line set by the IEC. 

“As a U.S.-based company, we take great pride in supplying our customers with quality products built tough enough to perform exceptionally in harsh weather conditions. These results are a testament to the American innovation and engineering that our team brings to the market.”

Frank Pham, CEO & Co-founder of Aptos Solar Technology.

Aptos Solar Technology is a recipient of the “Golden Standard” for Dynamic Mechanical Load testing. This test characterizes the performance and electrical integrity of a module by subjecting it to a series of environmental stress tests. Dynamic Mechanical Load testing helps evaluate if components within the

module (including solar cells, interconnect ribbons, and/or electrical bonds) are susceptible to breakage, or if edge seals are likely to fail due to mechanical stress encountered during installation and operation. The DNATM series is now certified for wind speeds up to 210 mph and snow loads up to 4 ft..

To learn more about Aptos Solar Technology’s quality standards visit: www.aptosolar.com/quality.

Aptos Solar Technology Makes Solar Power World’s 2020 Top Products List

(Santa Clara, CA, December 18, 2020) Aptos Solar Technology is pleased to announce its DNA-120 Bifacial solar panel has been awarded a placement on Solar Power World’s 2020 Top Products List.

Aptos Solar Technology’s DNA-120 Bifacial is produced with split solar cells that feature its patented Dual Nano Absorber (DNA) technology, increasing the efficiency of the panel in extreme temperature environments. The solar cells utilize nine ultra-thin busbars to reduce resistive losses. The new DNA-120 Bifacial module comes in an all-black design with power bins ranging up to 360W with the ability to generate up to 30% more energy with rear-side generation.

“We are very excited to see one of our most popular panels make Solar Power World’s Top Products List. Our team is working hard to produce innovative solar technology that will bring the best value to our customers.”

Frank Pham, Co-Founder & COO.

To view the complete list of 2020 Top products click here.

Bifacial Panels in Action

We absolutely love to see our Bifacial panels in action. This new 580kw system was installed by NoiR3 Energy and utilizes Aptos Solar Technology‘s bifacial modules, with no backside shading over a brand new TPO membrane. Our DNA Half-cut Cell Series impressively combines advanced technologies to maximize performance. Produce up to 30% more energy with the bi-facial rear side generation. Our patented DNA, Dual Nano Absorber, technology allows for the panel to harvest energy from all directions and operate exceptionally in high heat temperatures.

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