PV manufacturer Schott Solar has announced the launch of a new high performance module. PES takes a look at the Schott Perform Mono 260 to see just how the company’s decades of experience and expertise have shaped their new product.
The development team at the German manufacturer have produced the new module in the 260W peak class, though over the course of the year it is expected that there will be further versions and improvements made, with a 280W peak class planned for later in the year.
The Schott Perform Mono 260 has a high module efficiency rate of 15.9 per cent, which means owners of private homes that have small roof surfaces will find the product particularly appealing. At the same time, it also meets high aesthetic demands thanks to its dark, closely arranged solar cells surrounded by a black frame. The company has made numerous improvements with the module since the start of the project, and depending on market demand, the company already has plans to introduce a version that features a black backsheet foil in the near future.
New frame concept: stable despite lower weight
The newly developed hollow-chamber frame which SCHOTT Solar will be gradually introducing with most of its other types of modules is a good example. The anodised black aluminium frame that is only 35 millimetres high not only underscores the elegant look of the module, it also includes several great features. Its hollow-chamber profile means less material is used. This, in turn, reduces the weight of the module. In fact, it only weighs 19 kilograms. Furthermore, SCHOTT Solar has developed a special concept for the corners of the frame. These have been strongly reinforced and already feature a hole for use in grounding. Wide drainage systems ensure that rain and condensation water is able to drain off at all inclinations and angles.
Completely symmetrical design for flexible installation and an attractive appearance
The SCHOTT Perform Mono 260 is also quite striking in terms of its compact design. The cells are arranged more closely than in earlier developments. This is made possible by using new preformed connectors and better encapsulation material. The area between the cells and the frame has also been optimised and is now symmetrical on both sides. This layout enables these modules to be installed in virtually any direction and the holes for grounding are easily accessible from any position. The company plans to offer this module with a laminated black backsheet foil that will further support the attractive closed impression of the high-performance module in the future.
