Norwegian solar photovoltaic (PV) module manufacturer Innotech Solar (ITS) has developed a high-yield 72-cell solar module from re-processed solar cells.
The solar PV modules are larger than customary 60-cell modules and generate a higher yield – around 20% fewer modules are needed to achieve the same power yield, saving support frames and installation costs.
The EcoMax modules are available with power ratings between 270 W and 280 W.
"We designed the new EcoMax module especially for large-scale projects where the cost savings achieved by having a lower number of modules, as well as a shorter installation time, are huge. These factors play an increasingly large role in the project planning phase," says Dr Thomas Hillig, Director Sales & Marketing EMEA.
"Clients that are particularly environmentally aware will also like the module series, because our manufacturing process uses very little energy."
Like other ITS modules, the 72-cell model is produced using re-processed solar cells, giving it a small carbon footprint – around 90% less energy is needed to manufacture the modules compared with conventional crystalline silicon cells.
The company has developed a process that restores rejected solar cells to their full capacity. Defective areas are identified using an infrared camera before being automatically isolated with special lasers.
Innotech Solar analyses and optimizes cells from various manufacturers and has a production capacity in excess of 160 MWp.
