Hanwha Q Cells has unveiled the upgraded version of its Q.Peak Duo solar module series: the G6 – and pointedly reminded potential purchasers its PERC technology is under patent.
The Korean manufacturer said, compared to the 156.75 mm-wafer G5, the new monocrystalline panel is being produced with 161.7 mm wafers, resulting in a 6% increase in power yield. The module, which features Q Cells’ Q.Antum passivated emitter rear contact (PERC) technology and six busbars, is available in a 122-cell format with an output of 355 W and in a 144-cell version, which Hanwha says ensures an output of 420 W.
The manufacturer added, the G6 has optimized shading behavior as its upper and lower sides, which are susceptible to shading in strings of modules installed too close together, can operate independently from other parts of the panel. That, says Hanwha, makes the new module particularly interesting for commercial and industrial projects.
Long lasting
Hanwha Q Cells also claims the G6 can maintain more than 85% of its initial performance after 25 years.
In a reference to a suit of patent lawsuits that have been filed by the company, Hanwha added: “Furthermore, the module is manufactured using Q Cells’ patent protected passivation technology, which is a key ingredient in our Q.Antum technology.”
Hanwha last month began lawsuits for alleged patent infringement against rivals Jinko and REC in Germany, and against the same companies plus Longi in the U.S. with the accused manufacturers all rejecting allegations they had used the Korean company’s PERC technology in their own products.
Hanwha Q Cells said the G6 is available in Europe and Korea and will be distributed in all the most important solar markets later this year.
In September, the company revealed the G6 would be produced at its 1.6 GW factory in northern Georgia, in the U.S.
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Hello Tim SIlva; What is the conversion percentage of photons-to-DC electricity of these PV single crystal cells?
Hello, Carl. Due to the preliminary nature of the announcement, we don’t know that figure for certain, but expect it to be similar to that of the G5 line.
Which is what conversion factor percentage?
Hi Carl. What do you mean by conversion factor percentage? Is this another way to say module efficiency?
I haven’t found a data sheet on the G6. But it’s probably similar to the G5, seeing as the only change I can see is larger wafers. The G5 has efficiencies of 18.7% – 19.6%, per the data sheets on the Q-Cells site: https://www.q-cells.us/na/main/products/solar_panels/US_CANADA/residential/residential02.html
All the articles on this announcement talk about a 122 and a 144 cell version. I get the 144 number but I can’t quite figure out how they get 122 cells on a similar rectangle. 120 cells maybe?
I think you are right, as they are based on the old 60 cell foot print, so with half cells it is usually 120 not 122.