Munich, Germany, December 6, 2023 – According to a study by REC Group, the solar industry must install more than one billion solar panels every year for a decade to contribute to limiting the global temperature increase to 1.5°C. But as the world races towards a future powered by renewable energy, the industry must also minimize the potential environmental impact of solar panels. REC Group, an international pioneer in solar energy, is taking a proactive approach to address this issue and empower consumers to choose solar panels more responsibly.
With over 25 years of experience in the industry, REC Group is committed to making a positive impact on the planet and communities through a robust Environment, Social, and Governance (ESG) strategy. In line with its mission to educate consumers on the environmental impact of the solar industry, REC Group has launched a global ESG campaign for 2023. The campaign aims to raise awareness about the three core environmental subjects in the industry: Energy, Water, and Waste.
REC Group is taking a proactive approach with its ESG campaign 2023 to empower consumers to choose solar panels more responsibly.
Power density is a crucial metric for homeowners and businesses seeking to maximize their rooftop’s solar energy potential. Technologically advanced solar panels available today should have an efficiency of over 22 percent. By opting for higher efficiency solar panels, fewer panels are required to create a rooftop solar system, reducing resource consumption without compromising energy output.
Various solar panel technologies are currently available, including TOPCon, PERC, and the most advanced Heterojunction cell technology (HJT). By combining two different materials, HJT allows more sunlight to be captured, unlocking the greatest potential for energy harvesting. REC has been developing and manufacturing HJT-based solar panels since 2019, releasing four significant innovations globally in the last four years using its advanced Alpha HJT technology.
Reliability is another key factor. Top branded solar panels in the industry offer a guaranteed power performance of at least 92 percent at year 25, while others based on TOPCon guarantee only around 89 percent.
Manufacturing solar panels is energy-intensive, and metrics such as Energy Payback Time and Carbon Footprint should be considered by environmentally conscious homeowners and businesses. Some manufacturers not only claim an Energy Payback Time of less than one year but also provide an Environmental Product Declaration (EPD) to validate their footprint.
By making informed choices and selecting responsibly made solar panels, homeowners and businesses can contribute significantly to mitigating climate change while enjoying the benefits of clean solar power.
