Results on performance and ageing of solar modules based on Elkem Solar Silicon (ESS™) from installations at various locations

Abstract The present study aims to present the current status of the results obtained using Elkem Solar Silicon (ESS™) as feedstock basis for solar cell and modules. It is shown that solar cells based on ESS™ are able to follow the development of the solar industry obtaining comparable efficiencies to standard polysilicon based cells. The characteristics of ESS™ based solar cells, having normally higher V oc and FF and lower I sc , seem to give clear advantages in the field for solar modules located at high irradiance areas. Results from several locations show enhanced electricity production of ESS™ based solar modules compared to polysilicon at increasing solar irradiance. This is explained by beneficial temperature coefficients for ESS™ based solar cells. Lower electrical loss for ESS™ modules is also expected to contribute to the same beneficial performance under conditions of high solar irradiance.