Electricity and Control October 2022

ENERGY MANAGEMENT + THE INDUSTRIAL ENVIRONMENT

owners should consult the experts, weigh up the options, and find a solution that meets their electricity consump tion needs and that is financially viable.” He adds, “Always consider the long-term benefits as certain products are de signed to go the extra mile.”

Based in Cape Town, SOLARWORLD Africa has an ex tensive network of installer partners across South Africa. □

For more information visit: www.solarworld.co.za

Choosing solar PV technology to last As a leading importer and distributor of solar products in southern and sub-Saharan Africa, SOLARWORLD Africa (Pty) Ltd has partnered with Meyer Burger Technology AG, a European manufacturer of high-performance solar cells and modules. Together, they deliver products that are designed to perform best under hot conditions and that can offer up to 20% higher energy yields than standard solar modules. Gregor Küpper, Managing Director of SOLARWORLD Africa, says, “Where solar modules and solar cells are sourced from, and the technology they are fitted with, are important factors to know.” He advises customers to look for high-performance heterojunction solar modules fitted with SmartWire Connection Technology (SWCT™), such as those supplied by SOLARWORLD Africa. The Meyer Burrger/ SolarWorld Africa modules are designed in Switzerland and produced in Germany, two countries where the standard of workmanship and quality is highly respected, Küpper says. “You need to know it’s going to last.” Durability and profitability “South Africa has mostly a hot climate, and because the solar cells of solar panels are going to be exposed to the sun daily, their durability will continuously be tested.” For customers to gain the best return from investing in solar, the yield of the solar cells should be able to withstand intense heat and to generate more power over the same area despite high temperatures. Above average cell stability, maximum resilience and high breakage resistance are all important factors. “Solar not only helps to reduce energy costs, it also enables users to play a role in curbing global warming. Therefore, the solar modules must be made with materials that offer the highest social and ecological standards along the supply chain. Customers should look out for consciously made products that do not contain lead and are produced using 100% renewable energy.” Meyer Burger’s modules are designed for performance,

Meyer Burger solar modules in production.

with an elegant Swiss aesthetic, and are suitable for all roof shapes. They are enhanced with proprietary heterojunction technology (HJT) to make the system more efficient. “This is done by combining layers of silicon to create a cell structure that enables the HJT cells to absorb much more solar energy than conventional cells and for the converted electrical power to flow through the module with less resistance, even under low-light conditions, such as when it’s cloudy,” Küpper explains. The energy yields are even higher when the cells connect with SmartWire technology (SWCT™). The thin connecting wires reduce the shading on the solar cells and thus allow the modules to absorb more energy and produce electricity for longer, delivering more power for the same amount of roof space. SWCT™ also improves cell stability, making the modules less susceptible to so-called micro-cracks, one of the most common reasons for energy losses in solar modules. “Solar is a sure way to save money in the long run and will alleviate the business risk of losing production time due to load shedding – a challenge so many businesses currently face,” Küpper says. □

The PV modules are designed and produced to the highest standards, to ensure long-lasting performance.

12 Electricity + Control OCTOBER 2022