06-06-2011 Mainz, Germany

SCHOTT Solar takes first place in 2010 Energy Yield Test from TÜV Rheinland

• One-year energy output comparison test
• 13 competitors in the “race”
• SCHOTT PERFORM POLY 225 tops the winner’s podium

Mainz, 3 June 2011 – SCHOTT Solar AG was awarded first place in the 2010 Energy Yield Test by TÜV Rheinland for its SCHOTT PERFORM POLY 225 photovoltaic module, which proved especially powerful in comparison to 12 other tested modules from various producers.

“Thanks to new software, a completely shadow-free test roof and, last but not least, highly precise measuring equipment, we were able to raise the 2010 Energy Yield Test to an entirely new standard,” said Christian Bauerdick from TÜV Rheinland. “For one full year, we measured the energy output of PV modules and compared them with one another.”

Dr. Martin Heming, CEO of SCHOTT Solar AG, commented on the TÜV results: “Optimising energy output is our top priority at SCHOTT Solar, next to producing high-quality solar modules. The most recent test results confirm our success. The proof that our modules supply high energy output and offer high performance stability gives investors and photovoltaic plant operators a reliable basis for planning the entire lifespan of a solar plant, securing good returns.”

TÜV Rheinland’s Energy Yield Test stood out this year by determining the winning module using real energy yield as opposed to climatic chamber tests and power measurements with a sun simulator. Since the interaction between inverters and modules cannot be precisely measured and could cause different interactions, TÜV Rheinland developed its own setup with excellent measuring accuracy. During the test, the individual modules were automatically kept at MPP (maximum power point) with the help of electrical charges. TÜV Rheinland considered only the values at which all test modules were at MPP, so that no participant was placed at a disadvantage. The deciding factor in the STC power output measured by TÜV Rheinland was the yield per watt peak. This relative measurement also provides an especially low total measurement uncertainty rate from +1% to -1.5%, which always has to be taken into account when comparing all participants’ results.

The overall measurement system is divided into the following areas: central compilation of meteorological data, measurement of module temperature and of global solar radiation at the level of the test subjects, and MPP tracking and output measurement for the modules.

 

After a full year of output testing under real solar radiation conditions, SCHOTT PERFORM POLY 225 (220-240) came in first place. A glance at the data sheet reveals that the module scores points with an especially high nominal capacity. And the SCHOTT Solar positive tolerance provides additional security.

 

Further product characteristics are important for high energy output under real solar conditions. SCHOTT PERFORM POLY 225 makes up for poor solar conditions with its good performance in low light. SCHOTT Solar modules also generate high yields in the mornings and evenings, at low solar altitudes in the winter and during cloudy weather. The modules’ temperature coefficient also played a crucial role in the victory. A low temperature coefficient makes high module efficiency possible even at high temperatures, providing high power output when solar radiation peaks in the summer.

One of SCHOTT Solar’s development priorities is optimising energy output. The company constantly monitors test plants in various climate zones around the world.

 

The test results from TÜV Rheinland highlight SCHOTT Solar’s leading quality and development skills.

 

 

 

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Press photographs can be downloaded from www.schott-pictures.net

 

 

This press release can also be found under www.www.ffpress.net/Kunde/SOLE/

 

SCHOTT Solar AG
Lars Waldmann
Director Public Relations
55122 Mainz
tel. +49 (0)6131 - 66 14 099
fax +49 (0)6131 - 66 14 003
lars.waldmann@schottsolar.com
www.schottsolar.com

Fink & Fuchs Public Relations AG
Alexandra Mainka
Berliner Straße 164
65205 Wiesbaden
tel. +49 (0)611 - 74131 86
fax +49 (0)611 - 74131 30
alexandra.mainka@ffpr.de
www.ffpress.net