The new photovoltaic-thermal module, which was first presented on the first day of Intersolar 2024, has a record electrical efficiency of 26.6% and a thermal efficiency of 53.4%. The electrical power of the module with M6 cells of 6 cm x 10 cm is 433 W.
Germany’s Sunmaxx PVT, a specialist in photovoltaic and solar thermal modules, and perovskite solar company Oxford PV have announced the launch of ‘Solar Hammer’, a photovoltaic solar thermal module.
The companies say their partnership marks the first use of perovskite-on-silicon tandem solar cells in a photovoltaic thermal module. “Sunmaxx PVT modules combine proven automotive thermal management technology with solar photovoltaics, resulting in an overall conversion efficiency of 80%, certified by Fraunhofer ISE,” say the developers.
The new module, which was unveiled on the first day of Intersolar 2024, features a record efficiency of 26.6% electrical and 53.4% thermal efficiency, which equates to a total efficiency of 80% on an opening area of 1.63 m2. The electrical power of the module with M6 cells of 6 cm x 10 cm is 433 W, which surpasses the previous record of Fraunhofer ISE.
With both the cells and modules being manufactured in Germany, the two companies say the Solar Hammer represents a step forward in increasing European competitiveness in solar PV technologies.
The technology will be commercialized over the next 12 to 18 months, with Oxford PV supplying the cells from their production line in Brandenburg an der Havel, while Sunmaxx will produce the Solar Hammer modules at their 50 MW factory in Ottendorf- Okrilla. The company said pv magazine the module will be available in Germany, Switzerland and Austria and they are looking for partners for worldwide distribution, because for them “it is very important to train installers, who must have knowledge of different disciplines”.
“We believe this technology will be valuable to homeowners, businesses and municipalities looking to quickly achieve their decarbonization goals, and that this partnership will be valuable to the German solar industry,” said Sunmaxx CEO Wilhelm Stein. “Oxford PV and Sunmaxx have one common goal: to help close the gap in green industrial production in Germany and Europe, promote technological innovation and create a future where every city and industry can be powered by renewable energy sources.”
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