Panasonic is celebrating the performance of its HIT solar panels after gruelling tests over a simulated module lifetime.
The series of tests conducted by TÜV Rheinland showed the HIT panels experience a power loss of just 8%.
The Long-Term Sequential Test method evaluates two identical PV modules in consecutive testing – 1,000 hours of UV exposure, 2,000 hours of damp heat testing, 400 cycles of thermal cycling testing and four 10-cycle test blocks of humidity freeze testing.
“With this test, TUEV Rheinland can approximate more accurately the real outdoor solar module behaviour, in order to increase confidence of consumers in module quality and guarantee claims,” said Panasonic in a statement.
Panasonic HIT solar panels are widely considered the “Rolls Royce” of commercially available modules. The HIT (Heterojunction with Intrinsic Thin Layer) technology translates to a cell efficiency of 21.1% and an 18.6% module conversion efficiency. This is considerably higher than the usual 14-15% module conversion efficiency of many other brands.
“With long term results backed by independent research, customers can make an educated choice and rely on the brand promise: 25 years guaranteed top performance, an investment that is sure to pay off,” says Panasonic.
While the HIT is a pricier panel, the TÜV Rheinland results demonstrates the extra cost may be money well spent – particularly in installation situations where space may be at a premium and in areas experiencing extreme temperatures.
The HIT’s low temperature coefficient rating ensures good performance under very hot conditions; whereas other brands of panels may perform significantly below their nameplate wattage under the same conditions.
Temperature coefficient is just one of many aspects solar buyers need to be aware of when solar panels brand – not all solar panels are equal.
