AIKO Solar, a well-known back contact (BC) PV cell and module maker, has recently introduced its reportedly upgraded version of the INFINITE ABC module series. ‘ABC’ stands for ‘all back contact' and is the company’s proprietary name for its back contact cell technology. This module has application in the residential and commercial & industrial (C&I) segment.   

Product Description 

Measuring 1,762 × 1,134 × 30 mm, the latest INFINITE ABC series consists of all-black and white models. The 2 all-black models are NEOSTAR 3S54 and NEOSTAR 3S+54 (dual-glass). NEOSTAR 3P54 (mono-glass) and NEOSTAR 3P+54 (dual-glass) are the white versions.  

Based on the datasheets, these modules can be classified based on a few key metrics.  

Performance 

Starting with all-black variants, equipped with 108 ABC half-cut cells, NEOSTAR 3S54 (mono-glass) and NEOSTAR 3S+54 (dual-glass)are rated for a power output of up to 490 W and a maximum efficiency of 24.5%. The former model is laminated with 3.2 mm front glass and backsheet, while the latter features 2 mm front and rear glass. 

The white variants NEOSTAR 3P54 (mono-glass) and NEOSTAR 3P+54 (dual-glass) feature 108 ABC half-cut cells. The mono-glass variant, with a 3.2 mm front glass and backsheet, has a rated power output of up to 500 W and 25% efficiency. The dual-glass (2.0 + 2.0 mm) variant is rated for a maximum power output of 495 W and an efficiency of up to 24.8%.  

The 2 mono-glass models weigh 20.6 kg, while the dual-glass versions weigh 24.2 kg. According to the company, these modules are embedded with its ABC cells, which can reach a mass-scale efficiency of up to 27%. The company stated that it has separated the process steps of the formation of thin tunneling oxide and poly-Si deposition layer for p-type and n-type regions. These modules have a temperature coefficient of -0.26%/°C.  

Resilience 

The traditional silver-based fingers, which use silver paste during metallization, need a sintering process, whose high temperatures might compromise the cell’s mechanical strength. AIKO tries to address this limitation by using a copper-based metallization technology. According to the company, the use of high-conductivity copper prevents thermal stress and develops strong and durable contacts compared to silver pastes, eventually enhancing the module’s microcrack resistance. 

All modules mentioned above are rated fora front and rear side static mechanical loading of up to 5,400 Pa and 2,400 Pa, respectively. The mono-glass variant is certified for a hail-resistance of up to 40 mm diameter; however, the dual-glass version is rated for a maximum of 35 mm diameter with speeds up to 23 m/s. 

Warranty 

The company offers a performance warranty of up to 30 years for all models from the INFINITY ABC module series. The all-black variants carry a product warranty of up to 30 years, while it is 15 years for the white variants.