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

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 Voc and FF and lower Isc, 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.