Panasonic’s HIT solar panels will fully power the new German Federal Environment Agency headquarters.
The 281 HIT 250 watt solar panels will supply the expected 46,000 kWh of electricity a year the building’s occupants will consume. With rooftop real estate being limited on the new building, module size and efficiency were major factors in the decision to use HIT panels.
The new “net-zero” building at Berlin-Marienfelde will have its grand opening on August 30. Other energy efficiency features include a water source heat pump for heating and cooling the building and a solar hot water system. The building’s ventilation features a heat-recovery unit.
Under EU legislation, all buildings occupied and owned by public authorities have to be nearly net zero energy buildings by 2019.
HIT solar cells consist of a thin monocrystalline silicon wafer sandwiched between ultra-thin amorphous silicon layers. With a conversion efficiency of over 18.0%; HIT solar panels are one of the most efficient modules available and their comparatively small footprint allows for more energy to be generated from a given area.
Panasonic HIT solar panels have enjoyed popularity in Australia due in part to their low temperature co-efficient. Heat is the enemy of solar panels and a low temperature co-efficient translates to better performance in hot conditions.
Earlier this year, HIT solar panels passed the Long-Term Sequential Test with impressive results; experiencing a power loss of just 8%. The test involved 1,000 hours of high 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; carried out consecutively.
The performance of Panasonic HIT solar panels under Australian conditions can be viewed in real time via the web through a test installation in place at the Desert Knowledge Australia Solar Centre. Note that branding of HIT solar modules changed from SANYO to Panasonic last year, however the modules still appear under SANYO branding at the Centre.
