Bruno reis

In recent times we are seeing a revolution in module sizes. If in 2021 we saw a race for modules between 400-450W, now we are seeing the market in a frenzy due to 530 - 600+W modules. The question that remains is: is it worth buying these larger modules? And the answer is: It depends! Even with an open response, the first barrier that needs to be overcome is the biggest argument I hear from integrators when the decision is for large modules: “the client doesn't have space on the roof and I need to use larger modules”. Follow me on the account below. A 7 kWp system, if made with 450W panels, would use 15,55 panels. I know it's not possible to have 0,55 parts of a module, but it's just to make an approximation of calculations. If we use our brand new XPower 450W, we have the following parameters: Efficiency: 20,7%: This means that at the moment of highest possible solar irradiation, 1000 W/m2, it generates 207 W/m²; Length: 2,094 m; Width: 1,038 m. With this data in hand, we arrived at the following number for our system: Total area required to generate 7 kWp: 33,81 m²; Each module has 2,174 m²; We would then need 15,55 panels (we did the mathematical cycle to see that the accounts are in the required number of panels. Now, let's do the same mathematical process, also considering a 7 kWp generator, but this time using another module that we have in stock, the Risen 590. In this case, we would need 11,86 panels. Below, the module data: Efficiency: 20,8%: This means that at the moment of highest possible solar irradiation, 1000W/m2, it generates 208W/m2²; Length: 2,172 m; Width: 1,303 m. With this data in hand, we arrived at the following number for our system: Total area required to generate 7kWp: 33,65 m²; Each module is 2,83 m²; We would then need 11,86 panels (we did the mathematical cycle to see that the calculations practically meet the required number of panels. When we look at the numbers above, what stands out most is that we really need fewer modules when the system uses the 590W Risen, but we need to go further and carry out an analysis that is worth our technical understanding. The area required to generate 7kW with the XPower 450 is 33,81 m² and with the Risen 590W 33,65 m². A difference of just 1%! The power grew, but the module size grew proportionally. Here, we can conclude that lack of space can never be the reason for using larger modules, but rather their efficiency: the more efficient, the less space I will use. So, why use modules above 500 W? This is where the beauty of engineering comes in and it has to be done. I cite some cases that justify: Use in microinverters: in these cases, we dilute the value of the microinverter in more module power, making the cost per Watt of the system lower; Ground plants: fewer connections and possible points of failure; When the arrangement of the modules on the roof favors them; When we outsource the installation service and it is charged per module (as long as the same amount is charged). There are certainly other reasons, but what we can't do is define a standard or simply say it's a lack of space. So, what's your reason?

Bruno reis

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