What is PERC?

PERC stands for Passivated Emitter Rear Cell, Passivated Emitter Rear Contact or even Passivated Emitter and Rear Cell. First developed in Australia in the 1980’s by scientist Martin Green and his team at University of New South Wales, PERC technology adds an extra layer to the rear-side of a solar cell. Manufacturers spent many years focusing on the front side of a solar cell, and less attention was paid to taking advantage of production opportunities from the backside. Incorporating PERC into a solar cell boosts generation.

In order to create a PERC cell an additional two steps are employed to the standard back surface during the manufacturing process. First, a rear surface passivation film is applied. Second, lasers or chemicals are used to open the rear passivation stack and create tiny pockets in the film to absorb more light.

In employing just two additional steps, the return is threefold:

1.) Electron recombination is significantly reduced;

2.) More light is absorbed; and

3.) Higher internal reflectivity is experienced.

Not all sunlight is absorbed through non-PERC solar cells (some light passes straight through). But with a passivation layer on the rear side of a PERC cell, unabsorbed light is reflected by the additional layer back to the solar cell for a second absorption attempt. This process leads to a more efficient solar cell.

Why Jinko Solar?

Jinko Solar manufacture a range of high-quality Tier 1 solar modules.

Jinko Solar modules sold in Australia are salt mist corrosion resistant and suitable for installation in any location. They carry a 10-year product warranty that is standard for the industry and have an Australian office that provides ongoing support.

Jinko Solar is one of the world’s largest solar module manufacturers.

DURABILITY

The quality of the back sheet used on solar modules is a significant factor in how long modules last. The back sheet prevents air and moisture ingress, which causes solar modules to fail prematurely.   Jinko use a DuPont Tedlar® Backsheet which has been demonstrated by Du Pont to last for more than 30 years.

Jinko’s solar cells are 5% thinker than other major competing products providing improved mechanical strength to avoid micro cracks during transportation and installation.

RELIABILITY

Jinko Solar modules have been independently tested for reliability by DNV GL in 2017 and found to be a top performer in all tests.

PV Module Reliability Scorecard Report 2017

DNV GL is a global quality assurance and risk management company. They provide classification, technical assurance, software and independent expert advisory services to the maritime, oil & gas and energy industries. DNV GL operates in more than 100 countries.

PERFORMANCE

Choice Magazine in conjunction with CSIRO performed testing on various solar modules in Australia with Jinko solar modules outperforming other manufacturers. They achieved the highest overall score of 91%.   Tests were conducted by CSIRO through 2016-17 in Newcastle.

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WARRANTY

Jinko Solar provide a Product Warranty of 10 years and a Power Warranty of 25 years.

In addition, Jinko Solar also provide a 25-year insurance backed warranty, which provides third-party rights to the insurance in case of insolvency or bankruptcy of Jinko Solar.

AUSTRALIA SOLAR COUNCIL – POSITVE QUALITY