When purchasing solar panels, many users are confused by the difference between solar cell efficiency and module efficiency. This confusion often arises because solar cells generally have higher efficiency ratings than solar modules. However, understanding these two metrics and how they relate is crucial when evaluating supplier claims about efficiency.
This article aims to clarify the distinctions between cell and module efficiencies using real-world examples and data, with a focus on leading technologies such as JA Solar's TOPCon solar cells.
Key Differences: Solar Cell Efficiency vs. Solar Module Efficiency
Solar Cell Efficiency: Refers to the energy conversion rate of individual solar cells. It measures how effectively a single cell converts sunlight into electricity.
Solar Module Efficiency: Refers to the energy conversion rate of an entire solar module, including losses from cell interconnections, glass, frames, and other components. Modules generally have lower efficiency than cells due to these losses.
Understanding these differences is essential for discerning the claims of suppliers and ensuring you are comparing like with like.
Common Solar Cell Sizes and Module Dimensions
Below are the most common solar cell sizes in the current market:
· 182 × 182 mm
· 182 × 199 mm
· 182 × 210 mm
· 210 × 210 mm
Correspondingly, solar modules come in different dimensions with varying power outputs and efficiency ratings. The following table presents a detailed comparison of popular solar products:
Table: Comparison of Solar Cells and Modules
Model | Cell Size | Area per Cell (m2) | No. of cells | Area of Cells (m2) | Cell Power (Watt) | Cell Efficiency | Module Size (mm) | Module Power (Watt) | Mainstream Power (Watt) | Area per Module (m2) | Module Efficiency | ||
D40 | 182 | 182 | 0.0331 | 72 | 2.3849 | 8.19 | 24.74% | 2278 | 1134 | 590 | 590 | 2.5833 | 22.84% |
D40 | 182 | 182 | 0.0331 | 78 | 2.5837 | 8.14 | 24.58% | 2465 | 1134 | 635 | 635 | 2.7953 | 22.72% |
D42 | 182 | 199 | 0.0362 | 66 | 2.3904 | 8.94 | 24.68% | 2278 | 1134 | 590 | 580 | 2.5833 | 22.45% |
D42 | 182 | 199 | 0.0362 | 72 | 2.6077 | 8.96 | 24.73% | 2465 | 1134 | 645 | 640 | 2.7953 | 22.90% |
D45 | 182 | 210 | 0.0382 | 66 | 2.5225 | 9.32 | 24.38% | 2382 | 1134 | 615 | 615 | 2.7012 | 22.77% |
D46 | 210 | 210 | 0.0441 | 66 | 2.9106 | 10.91 | 24.74% | 2384 | 1303 | 720 | 705 | 3.1064 | 22.70% |
Key Insights from the Data
1. Cell Efficiency vs. Module Efficiency:
The cell efficiency in all cases ranges between 24.38% and 24.74%, demonstrating excellent energy conversion at the individual cell level.
However, the module efficiency is slightly lower, ranging from 22.45% to 22.90%, due to losses incurred in the module assembly process.
2. Impact of Cell Size and Module Dimensions:
Larger cells, such as the 210 × 210 mm (Model D46), provide higher individual cell power, reaching up to 10.91 W, contributing to the higher overall module power output.
Modules with larger dimensions, such as 2465 × 1134 mm, accommodate more cells or larger cells, leading to higher power outputs like 645 W.
3. Choosing the Right Product:
For installers and end-users, module efficiency is more critical since it determines the energy yield per square meter.
Products like Model D42 (182 × 199 mm) and D45 (182 × 210 mm) balance high efficiency and practical module sizes, making them popular choices in the market.
How to Verify Supplier Claims
To ensure suppliers are providing accurate information, it is essential to ask for detailed technical specifications, including:
· Cell size and cell efficiency.
· Module dimensions and module efficiency.
· Total number of cells in the module.
When comparing products, always calculate the module efficiency using the provided data.
For example:
Module Efficiency = Module Power (W) / Area per Module (m²) / 1000×100%
This calculation helps you determine whether a module’s efficiency aligns with the supplier’s claims.
Conclusion
Understanding the difference between solar cell efficiency and module efficiency is vital for making informed decisions. While cell efficiency highlights the potential of individual cells, module efficiency reflects the actual performance of a solar panel in real-world applications.
With technologies like JA Solar TOPCon and LONGi Hi-MO X10 HPBC 2.0 (645W is Available in stock), the solar industry is continually improving efficiencies. By carefully analyzing specifications and choosing the right products, installers and end-users can maximize energy output and return on investment.
