07-18-2012, 01:33 PM
The Panasonic HIT (Heterojunction with Intrinsic Thin layer) solar cell is amazing by itself. The regular panels lose efficiency when they get hot with the HIT maintaining higher outputs over the same range. The HIT is also providing almost 20% more power over a 15% smaller footprint area. This is a good comparison of use in England during a year and the HIT provides higher outputs during months of few sunny days.
http://solarecouk.com/comparision-performance-graphs
Even before this 3D manufacturing shows up, the HIT panels mean a moderate sized factory can cover its roof, provide more than enough power for its operations, and sell the excess 80% into the grid. The reality is that HECO won't allow this for a long time though. 3D probably means even less footprint space for even higher power density. Who knows, 5 panels for 5 kW?
http://solarecouk.com/comparision-performance-graphs
Even before this 3D manufacturing shows up, the HIT panels mean a moderate sized factory can cover its roof, provide more than enough power for its operations, and sell the excess 80% into the grid. The reality is that HECO won't allow this for a long time though. 3D probably means even less footprint space for even higher power density. Who knows, 5 panels for 5 kW?
*Japanese tourist on bus through Pahoa, "Is this still America?*