German manufacturer achieves 80% overall efficiency with new PVT solar modules

Germany's Fraunhofer Institute for Solar Energy Systems (Fraunhofer ISE) said this week that its new PVT solar module PX-1 from German manufacturer Sunmaxx PVT has an overall efficiency of 80%.

The module measures 1750 mm x 1140 mm x 38 mm and includes 108 PERC half-cells in M10 format with an electrical output of 400 W, corresponding to an electrical efficiency of about 20%.

This new product also has a heat output of 1200 W, which corresponds to a heat collection efficiency of 60%. Fraunhofer ISE measured these values at the maximum power point (MPP) in full sun, with a module temperature of 25°C and a wind speed of 0 m/s.

Additional tests were also conducted in real operating scenarios on indoor and outdoor test benches, showing a maximum module temperature of 30°C under full sun conditions. Conventional photovoltaic modules can reach temperatures of up to 80°C, which reduces their efficiency.