Q CELLS’ gapless solar module to make European debut
Q CELLS, a total energy solutions provider from solar cell and module to energy storage, management and retail, will showcase its new gapless solar modules at the forthcoming renewable energy exhibition, the Energaïa Energy Forum in Montpellier, France, held between December 11 & 12.
Having already been revealed to the PV industry at Solar Power International (SPI) in September, Q CELLS is preparing to introduce the Q.PEAK DUO XL-G9.2 and the Q.PEAK DUO BLK ML-G9 solar modules into Europe in 2020 – and will invite visitors to one of France’s largest solar shows to see first-hand the unique features of the company’s first ever gapless solar modules.
Also being showcased at the Q CELLS booth (Hall B2, Stand F29) will be a broad selection of Q CELLS’ total energy solutions, including the Q.MOUNT and recently launched Q.FLAT mounting system, as well as the company’s distributed energy storage solution, the Q.HOME+ ESS HYB-G2, and the containerized battery solution delivered in partnership with German storage experts Tesvolt.
The Q.PEAK DUO BLK ML-G9 and the Q.PEAK DUO XL-G9.2 are Q CELLS’ first ever gapless solar modules, developed for greater power output and efficiency. The Q.PEAK DUO BLK ML-G9 is an all-black module composed of 132 gapless half-cells with 12 bus-bars. With the use of larger M4 wafers (161.7 mm x 161.7 mm) and a gapless design that enables the addition of 12 more cells than the usual 120 half-cells, the Q.PEAK DUO BLK ML-G9 can deliver maximum power output of up to 380 Wp, as well as industry leading efficiency of up to 20.2%. With high power and efficiency and sleek all-black aesthetics, this gapless module prototype is an exciting addition to Q CELLS’ module portfolio in Europe, and is an attractive option for French residential customers eager to install solar energy on their home.
Joining the Q.PEAK DUO BLK ML-G9 on stage at Energaïa will be its larger gapless cousin, the Q.PEAK DUO XL-G9.2 – a premium module for ground-mounted solar plants thanks to its 156 half-cell composition that delivers a maximum output of up to 455 Wp and efficiency of up to 20.6% with only a slight increase in module size (dimensions of 2171 mm x 1030 mm x 35 mm, including frame).
With an ambitious six year solar program poised to underpin sustained growth in the French solar industry, France will resume its position as one of Europe’s leading lights in terms of PV growth. Q CELLS remains a dominant player in the French solar market, and seeks to build upon these strong foundations over the coming years with a broader portfolio of products and services designed to meet the diverse needs of French customers.
This portfolio was recently expanded to include the Q.FLAT. The Q.FLAT-G5, Q CELLS’ innovative and award-winning mounting system for flat rooftops, will be on display at the Energaïa Energy Forum alongside another convenient mounting system, the Q.MOUNT. These two systems help installers to shorten their installation time and cost dramatically.
As a total energy solutions provider driven to meet the increasingly diverse demands of the French energy sector, Q CELLS will also exhibit at the show its home energy storage system, the Q.HOME+ ESS HYB-G2, which comprises a hybrid inverter, lithium-ion battery (scalable in size between 4 and 12 kWh) and web-based monitoring system to deliver complete energy independence for the user. This home battery, when paired with a Q CELLS rooftop solar system, provides a comprehensive and fully-integrated solar-storage solution that is suitable for a variety of households due to the modular nature of the battery.
Q CELLS is also equally keen to provide energy storage solutions to small- and medium-sized businesses, and in France has teamed up with German storage experts Tesvolt on a containerized stationary solution.
The collaboration sees Q CELLS form a technical alliance with Tesvolt to deliver to the French market Tesvolt’s containerized system, which Q CELLS will market across France, taking care of installation, monitoring, service and support of these systems for the growing C&I space.
Q CELLS’ Head of Sales France, Stephan Maurel, said: “The Energaïa Energy Forum is always a great opportunity for the French solar sector to take stock of the year that has just passed, and to look ahead into the next year. 2020 promises to be an excellent year for France’s solar market, and also for Q CELLS, which is why we are showcasing a very exciting and broad portfolio of products at the exhibition – one that we feel best represents Q CELLS’ ability to meet demand in France, and reflects the growing dynamism and confidence coursing through the French solar market right now.”
Laurent Bodin, director France and Africa sales for Q CELLS, added: “Energaïa is the place to be when it comes to the French solar market and for discussing CRE tender projects. Q CELLS continues to invest in carbon footprint (CFP) value optimization because we believe that the French model is the most eco-friendly way to participate in the goal of CO² emission reduction. In addition to the low-carbon-certified Q.PEAK DUO-G5, the Q CELLS Q.PEAK DUO-G6 range of modules, also boasting a lower CFP value, will be available in France soon.”