Wednesday, February 16, 2011

Q-Cells Modules Perform in the Desert

Q-Cells SE, one of the leading providers of PV solutions worldwide,
has once again proven the performance of its solar modules. On the
test field in Alice Springs, run by the renowned Australian 'Desert
Knowledge Australia Solar Centre" (DKASC) the Q-Cells solar module
Q.SMART (CIGS thin-film technology) and a prototype of the Q-Cells
solar modules Q.PRO and Q.BASE (polysilicon technology) achieved peak
performances under extreme climate conditions.

During the period from August 2010 to January 2011, the power output
of the Q.SMART (CIGS thin film technology) solar module was measured
at a test field in Alice Springs, along with several similarly sized
thin-film systems. With an average energy yield of 5.8 kilowatt-hours
per installed kilowatt-peak per day (KWh/KWp/day), the module emerged
as one of the leading performers from the mentioned test period.The
average output of systems from leading international manufacturers
with a similar system configuration ranged between 5.1 and 5.3
KWh/KWp/day. 'We are pleased that our Q.SMART modules further on
belong to the most high-performance solar modules in an international
comparison", says Lars Stolt, Chief Technology Officer at Solibro, a
subsidiary of Q-Cells SE for the CIGS technology.

In a test of crystalline solar modules, a prototype of the
multi-crystalline Q-Cells solar modules Q.PRO and Q.BASE also
performed extremely well. During the period from March 2010 to January
2011, the QC-05 prototype module achieved an average energy yield of
5.3 kilowatt-hours per installed kilowatt-peak per day. In the
specified test period, the average output of systems with a similar
system configuration ranged from 4.6 to 5.1 KWh/KWp/day. On the basis
of the QC-05 module, Q-Cells will launch a new generation of Q.PRO and
Q.BASE modules with a higher performance in all key markets of Q-Cells
SE in 2011.

With the convincing test results, Q-Cells is once again setting the
benchmark with respect to technological leadership. 'We are pleased
that the high level of quality at Q-Cells is also reflected in
independent tests,' says Peter Wawer, Senior Vice President Technology
at Q-Cells. 'The test results show that our products hold a
technologically leading position. We assume that the Q-Cells solar
modules will also achieve positive test results in the long term.'

From a strategic point of view, these excellent test results also
prove that Q-Cells is focusing on the right technologies. In addition
to the silicon-based modules, the CIGS thin-film technology plays an
important role. With its cost-effective production and high levels of
efficiency, the CIGS process is very convincing. The modules are
characterised by excellent performance under various geographic
conditions and, thanks to their appealing aesthetics, are ideally
suited for architecturally demanding applications. As early as in June
2010, Q-Cells had produced its first Q.SMART module (CIGS thin-film
technology), which achieved a world-record-breaking efficiency factor
of 13%.

The multi-crystalline Q-Cells solar modules are assembled from
Q-Cells' own high-performance cells. As key components of solar
modules Q-Cells cells exhibit high and stable yield characteristics,
which are ensured by strict quality control. The high performance of
Q-Cells modules and their market-conform classification into various
product categories allow them for broad application, ranging from
solar parks to large roof-top systems to small systems for private
use.

DKASC is an independent test centre for solar energy systems financed
by the Australian government. Due to the dry desert climate, the test
conditions in the test centre located in Central Australia are among
the most demanding worldwide. On the test field in Alice Springs test,
the performances of more than a dozen leading European, Asian and
American manufacturers are tested under identical conditions. Q-Cells
is the only German company represented with its modules in the
Australian desert. DKASC puts the data for public access at the
following website: www.dkasolarcentre.com.au

Desert Knowledge Australia, the Australian Government, the Northern
Territory Government and the project managers, CAT Projects do not
endorse, and accept no legal liability whatsoever arising from or
connected to, the outcomes and conclusions associated with the use of
data from the Desert Knowledge Australia Solar Centre.

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