REC Solar Panels

REC Solar Panel Review

Evolution of N-Peak Solar Panels

The REC TwinPeak showcased REC’s ability to push the boundaries of the multicrystalline platform and reach panel powers which many industry experts thought impossible with multicrystalline technology. The REC N-Peak is leading the way with increased power output and improved performance in shaded conditions, enabled by the monocrystalline n-type C-SI solar cells.

The REC TwinPeak 2 Series uses evolving REC TwinPeak technologies, including cells from larger wafers (156.75 mm), and five busbars – both firsts for REC products. These are in addition to the power-boosting standard features of REC TwinPeak panels: Half-cut cell technology, PERC (Passivated Emitter Rear Cell) technology and the split junction box spread across the middle of the panel.

Together, these new developments help the REC TwinPeak 2 Series deliver at least 20 Wp more per panel compared to standard 60-cell multicrystalline panels. Improvements in reflectivity of the rear of the cell with PERT (Passivated Emitter Rear Cell Totally Diffused) and purity of monocrystalline silicon make the N-Peak solar panel series even more powerful. Learn more about N-Peak solar panels.

The REC TwinPeak 2 Series and N-Peak Series use several evolving REC technologies:

· Cells made from larger wafers for increased current production
· Five bus bars for reduced cell resistance
· Half-cut cell technology to reduce resistive power loss in the panel
· PERC (Passivated Emitter Rear Cell) for increased light capture
· Split junction box spread across the middle of the panel, allowing an innovative panel design and improved performance in shaded conditions
· Certified according to IEC 61215 and IEC 61730, as well as UL 1703
· 1000 V or 1500 V configurations for maximum balance of system cost savings
· 100% free from potential-induced degeneration (PID), avoiding performance losses under harsh climate conditions, such as high heat or humidity.

When half of an REC TwinPeak or N-Peak solar panel is in the shade, the other half will still generate electricity.

Advantage In Shaded Conditions

The unique REC ‘Twin’ cell layout design, where the panel is split into two identical and mirrored sections, also enables the continued production of energy, even when part of the module or array is shaded, further contributing to its high energy yields compared to standard panels. Due to the two separate sections, REC split-cell solar panels offer improved performance in certain shading conditions. When half of the solar panel is in the shade, the other half will still generate electricity. This is not possible with traditional modules where the potential power stops at the shade point.

Shaded darker string produces less energy. Bypass diodes remain closed and the shaded string does not contribute to output, while the ‘opposite’ string continues to function

This can help ensure the REC TwinPeak Series starts to produce energy earlier than a standard panel and continues to produce energy later in the day when a standard panel may be shaded, and Single-Axis Tracker backtracking may be disabled for system performance gain.

Advantages of REC's N-type Mono Cells

Based on high efficiency monocrystalline cell technology, the REC N-Peak boosts solar panel efficiency through n-type and PERT technologies:

• With n-type cell technology, the internal construction of a cell reduces Light Induced Degradation (LID) to zero, meaning no power loss right after installation
• PERT technology completely passivates the rear of the cell for increased electron capture and high and stabilized efficiency
• Class-leading temperature performance keeps panels cooler for increased efficiency and higher yields
• All round higher yields at higher wavelengths, with strong performance from dawn through to dusk

Zero LID

The loss of power generation capacity seen in a standard solar panel on its first exposure to light is known as Light Induced Degradation (LID). This is a result of the combination of boron and oxygen inside a cell and causes a permanent drop in a standard panel’s maximum power. Not with the REC N-Peak Series, however! Through the use of n-type technology, REC’s N-Peak cells stop boron and oxygen from mixing at any level and therefore any occurrence of LID can be fully prevented. This ensures the power of the panel remains the same as when it left the REC factory, meaning customers always get exactly the power levels that they paid for.

Combining n-type solar cells with Zero LID and PERT technology in the REC N-Peak Series has created a high efficiency and powerful solar panel, that helps you make the most of every installation, especially where space is limited.

REC Half-Cut Cells

The ‘60-cell’ REC TwinPeak Series, which was launched in 2015 and won the Intersolar Award for ‘Photovoltaics’ that same year. The REC TwinPeak 72 Series, a 72-cell variant with 144 half-cut cells, was launched in August 2016. This was then followed by the REC TwinPeak 2 BLK2 – a truly full-black multicrystalline panel ideal for residential installations.

The REC TwinPeak 2S 72 solar panel sets a new world record in power output for 72-cell solar panels, thus competing strongly with products of similar size using monocrystalline (mono) and mono-PERC technology by providing the highest power at a competitive cost. While REC has packed more power into a single panel, the REC TwinPeak 2S 72 weighs just 49 lbs, up to 9 lbs lighter than standard 72-cell-sized panels, enabling easier handling and quicker installation times. TwinPeak 2S 72 solar panels are popular in the C&I and utility-scale segments who demand large panels, with lighter weight, and high power combined with trusted REC quality.

Founded in Norway in 1996, REC is a leading vertically integrated solar energy company. Through integrated manufacturing from silicon to wafers, cells, high-quality panels and extending to solar solutions, REC provides the world with a reliable source of clean energy. REC’s renowned product quality is supported by the lowest warranty claims rate in the industry. REC is a Bluestar Elkem company with headquarters in Norway and operational headquarters in Singapore. REC employs more than 2,000 people worldwide, producing 1.4 GW of solar panels annually.

REC Solar Warranty

REC's Material & Workmanship Warranty is 10 full years. This provides customers with the security needed when investing in a solar energy system.

REC's Linear Product Output Warranty guarantees customers that all REC solar panels are guaranteed to provide at least 97 percent effective output during the first year of operation. From the second year, the actual power output will decline annually by no more than 0.7% for a period of 24 years, so that by the end of the 25th year, an actual output of at least 80.2% of the nameplate power output specified on the product will be achieved.

REC stands behind their warranty thanks to the high quality of products and control of the complete solar value chain. REC Solar is committed to offering customers high performance solar modules with a long-term value. In order to ensure that REC customers have even more power than they have paid for, REC will continue to sort modules by plus five watts. The new linear and workmanship warranty applies to all solar modules sold by Solar Electric Supply. Solar Electric Supply supplies the US Model TwinPeak, TwinPeak 2, TwinPeak 2S 72 and N-Peak solar panels for our customers in the USA.

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