In August 2024, Helius Sunlink PV, a pioneer in solar panel production, celebrated its 20th anniversary in providing photovoltaic modules to the global market.
Since its founding in 2004, the company has focused on developing high-efficiency, high-quality products by researching and enhancing technologies that have resulted in the progressive increase of their modules' power and efficiency over two decades.
Besides differences in power outputs, ranging from 160W to 620W, the technologies, raw materials, and cell sizes have also changed during this period.
TECHNOLOGY AND MATERIAL
The monocrystalline modules in their portfolio from 2004 to 2018 had efficiencies ranging from 14.1% to 19.6%. These models perform better in high-temperature conditions compared to other technologies, making them suitable for hot and sunny regions, such as southern Europe and some countries in South America.
On the other hand, the polycrystalline modules, produced between 2010 and 2017, show efficiencies between 17% and 17.8% and are suitable for large-scale plants due to their better cost-effectiveness. These models are ideal for geographical locations with high levels of direct solar radiation, such as North Africa and parts of Latin America, especially Chile.
Regarding modules with mono PERC (Passivated Emitter Rear Cell) technology (2018 - 2023), the main feature is the combination of monocrystalline cells with a thin layer of a specific material, through a process called passivation. This creates an optical effect that enhances the reflection of solar radiation within the cell, increasing light capture and energy generation. With this technology, Helius models showed efficiencies between 19.3% and 21.3%. These modules maintain good efficiency in extreme heat countries and can be used in residential, industrial, or even large-scale projects.
Over the years, continuous efforts in increasing cell efficiency and improving production processes have led to the development of photovoltaic panels with higher output power, without significantly increasing product dimensions.
For example, the TopCon N-Type technology implemented in 2023 guarantees 87.4% energy generation by the 30th year. Compared to the PERC type, the expected energy generation by the 25th year is around 84.8%. There is a 3.07% increase in energy generation over the same period, using modules of similar area, solely due to the technological advancement of photovoltaic modules.
"This is a constant inquiry from clients. Besides asking about the module's power, they question its dimensions, considering the area it will occupy in their projects. One of the modules we launched at Intersolar South America 2024 was the Helius Genesis Plus with 620W: it attracted the attention of integrators interested in effective products for their projects, delivering more power without occupying a larger area," reports Eduard Joseph Krummenauer, Country Manager of Helius Sunlink PV.
TYPES OF CELLS
Since 2004, Helius has developed modules with cells of various dimensions, ranging from 125mm, 156mm, 158mm, 166mm, to 182mm. Different cell sizes are driven mainly by the need to increase module efficiency. For example, expanding a 125mm cell to 182mm results in a 46.8% efficiency increase: a leap from 14.1% to up to 20.7%.
Besides square cells, using Half Cell (rectangular) cells offers numerous benefits: fewer microcracks, less resistive loss due to electrical currents being split in half, and reduced energy generation losses in partially shaded panels.
Paying attention to market needs and developing products to meet these demands is no easy task, but Helius has cultivated this vision as a cornerstone over its 20 years of operation: "A customer-focused outlook is crucial for Helius to directly provide quality products to more than 200 countries. Our goal is for Helius products to be in consumers' homes worldwide, generating savings and longevity for projects."
Eduard Krummenauer reflects on Helius's 20-year history: "Looking back at all the evolutions we've had is a source of pride for us, both in terms of products and in volume, production processes, and presence. We are in more than 200 countries, especially in Brazil, with products up to 620W and TopCon N-type technology, delivering the best efficiency on the market. Additionally, we recently launched the Helius Hyperion Zero Busbar, a technology that further increases module efficiency. This evolution and growth motivate us to continue investing in research and development, refining our technology to offer ever more efficient and robust products."
Helius Sunlink PV is a pioneer in producing photovoltaic panels, and since 2004 its values have been based on quality and responsibility, reflecting its pursuit of new technologies that have ensured that the Brazilian market has products focused on innovation, due to their high efficiency and cutting-edge technology. After 20 years, Helius delivers modules with almost 4 times greater power and with efficiency 62% higher than initially offered.
HELIUS 20 YEARS: A Journey Through the Evolution of Photovoltaic Modules
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