PERC solar technology comes full circle as UNSW installs panels

PV magazine

Passivated Emitter Rear Contact (PERC) solar technology is returning to its birthplace, as JinkoSolar has been chosen to supply its PERC modules for a rooftop solar system at the University of New South Wales (UNSW) in Australia, where a number of solar technology breakthroughs were made.

solar-unsw1-150x150PERC solar technology has gone full circle; after first being developed at UNSW, it is now being installed on its roof to power parts of the school. JinkoSolar has been chosen for the prestigious project, at a location that means a lot to the solar industry, as it was also where Dr. Martin Green developed the modern PV cell.

Specific details of the rooftop project at the university have been scant, however, Jinko has announced that it will be installing its Eagle PERC modules for the array, with the EPC being Autonomous Energy. But technical details are less important for this, largely symbolic project, in the eyes of veteran solar onlookers.

This is because UNSW has a special place in the heart of the solar industry, as one of the leading solar cell research and development centers worldwide. Notable, the “father of the modern solar cell,” Dr. Martin Green, developed the technology at UNSW, where later on PERC technology itself was developers.

“As a in PV industry, we are proud to be at the forefront of technology by producing highly-efficient products that meet market demand,” commented JinkoSolar’s CEO, Kangping Chen. “”The selection by UNSW of our PERC products for its first roof top installation demonstrates the quality and reliability of our PERC technology. We are committed to consistently delivering the highest quality, most reliable, high-efficiency solar products.”

First published at PV magazine. Reproduced with permission.

Comments

7 responses to “PERC solar technology comes full circle as UNSW installs panels”

  1. Rob Avatar
    Rob

    I could use some part-time work – proof-reader springs to mind. Will await your call.

    1. Lightfoot Avatar
      Lightfoot

      I have written to the Editor about this, as it is an ongoing issue at REnew Economy. It detracts from the otherwise great work of the writers, and the site in general.

      1. Tomfoolery Avatar
        Tomfoolery

        I agree.

  2. Jinko Fans Avatar
    Jinko Fans

    The EPC for this project is Autonomous Energy.

  3. Radbug Avatar
    Radbug

    Have we figured how to recycle all these solar panels, and the thousands of tonnes of silver in their conduction channels, once these panels reach the end of their life span?

    1. Andrew Roydhouse Avatar
      Andrew Roydhouse

      That question opens up even more questions…

      “…the end of their life span” – has been commonly accepted as 20 years or so when the efficiency falls to 80%.

      That does not mean they cease generating electricity though.

      It just means they are not as productive as they were on day one. If roof space is not an issue then they do not need to be taken down and disposed of (recycled or repurposed to a local school perhaps?).

      Their have been a few articles written (in the wider press/blogosphere) about panels from the late 1980s and early 1990s that are still merrily generating electricity at reduced rates.

      Will there become a new additional solar PV industry – moving 20yr+ veteran panels to W facing rather than N facing roofs when roof space is an issue?

      1. Radbug Avatar
        Radbug

        Still, I’d love to see graphene ribbons replace silver.

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