What makes the ASTRO N7 ZBB-TOPCon module ideal for utility-scale and commercial and industrial (C&I) solar projects in Pakistan?
ASTRO N7 series module products are designed with a standard size of 2382*1134*30 mm, which have strong compatibility and are especially suitable for utility-scale and C&I solar projects. Besides, the products have five core advantages “Four Highs One Low” high power, high efficiency, high reliability, high power generation per watt, and low BOS cost and LCOE, enabling high yields for utility-scale and C&I solar projects. Meanwhile, a better temperature coefficient is conducive to low power generation loss in high-temperature environments. And the adoption of light redirecting film can extend the path of light and increase the power generation per watt. Also, the products are resistant to sand and dust, high temperatures, and strong winds, ensuring long-term and stable power generation at the project site in Pakistan. What’s more, the excellent low-irradiance performance can extend the power generation time of the module in the early morning and dusk, and low power degradation ensures long-term operation of power stations, achieving higher profits. Besides, benefiting from the low open-voltage design, the number of modules in a single string can be increased, and the number of strings under the same installed capacity is less, which effectively reduces the cost of land, cables, brackets, inverters, etc., and realizes lower BOS cost and LCOE.
Furthermore, the ASTRO N7 ZBB-TOPCon module is an upgraded product that not only has the above advantages but also realizes multi-dimensional improvement. Adopting newly upgraded TOPCon 5.0 solar cell tech, the maximum module power is up to 650Wp with 24.1% conversion efficiency. The bifaciality will also exceed 85%+ through continuous technological innovation, improving the bifacial power generation gain of utility-scale power stations.
Moreover, the ZBB design achieves appearance aesthetics through no harpoon-like ribbons and no Pad points, which matches the exterior of buildings. It is suitable for a variety of C&I building types and installations, and brings significant energy-saving and emission reduction effects and economic benefits to local enterprises.
What technologies are used to boost the performance of the ASTRO N7 ZBB-TOPCon module?
In terms of solar cell technology, the product utilizes TOPCon 5.0 technology, which adopts multiple industry-leading technologies to improve multi-dimensional capacity, such as passivation effect, light capture capability, and bifacial power generation. The cell efficiency increased by 0.4%-0.6% and bifaciality increased by 5%+ compared with the TOPCon 4.0 solar cell. Meanwhile, we adopt ZBB technology to achieve high reliability, high aesthetics, and better low-irradiance performance.
In terms of module technology, the front of light redirecting film is a wave-like structural reflective layer, which can make full use of the sunlight reflected from the cell gap to the front of the module, and the reflective effect is higher than that of the glazed grid, which can effectively enhance the module power and single-watt power generation. In addition, the light redirecting film has a small shading area on the back of the module, so it has high bifaciality and high power generation on the back of the module. Meanwhile, it features high reliability, which is reflected in good stress uniformity of non-glazed glass, higher strength, excellent mechanical load performance, and impact resistance.
Besides, the double-coated high transmittance glass adopts double-layer coating technology: the upper film is a closed-hole film, which improves the transmittance; the lower layer is a dense silica layer, which can effectively isolate water vapor. Also, the upper and lower layers have different refractive indices, realizing the transition from low to high refractive index from the air side to the glass to achieve better transmittance. Thus, this technology enhances the light transmittance of the glass, increases the module power, and improves the durability of products.
How does Astronergy’s ZBB technology improve module reliability and reduce hidden-crack risks?
Currently, there are four main technical directions of ZBB, including Smartwire, dispensing, welding + dispensing, and ZBB + carrier film. The integrated ZBB + carrier film solution adopted by Astronergy has four advantages compared to the other three ZBB technology solutions: no welding stress in the low-temperature flexible interconnection process, high adhesion between the ribbon and the cell, simple process, and compatibility with new technologies in the future.
This technical solution pre-fixes 20 metal ribbons on the surface of the ZBB solar cell through a low-fluidity carrier film. First, the ribbons are laid, then the carrier film is applied, and the soldering alloying is achieved through a low-temperature lamination process to conduct the current.
The soldering temperature is 50% lower than conventional technology, and the electrical connection between cells and ribbons is completed in the laminator, reducing the risk of hidden cracks and fragments, and achieving low energy consumption and low carbon emissions. In this way, there are uniform distribution of finer ribbons, more contact points, more uniform force on the cell when the external force is applied, and enhanced current collection capacity, reducing the risk of hidden cracks, and improving mechanical load performance.
Besides, Astronergy is the first TOPCon company in the industry to use dual non-contact PL (Photoluminescence) inspection in the ZBB-TOPCon manufacturing process, highlighting a breakthrough in the industry. It not only avoids secondary defects such as cracks or fragments that may be caused by contact inspection, but also eliminates cell material defects from the source in the first PL detection, and solves the problem of not being able to recognize hidden cracks and pseudo soldering before the laminating process in the second one.
How does the ASTRO N7 ZBB-TOPCon module lower BOS cost and LCOE?
Compared with the conventional SMBB-TOPCon module, our ASTRO N7 ZBB-TOPCon 66-cell module adopts ZBB and TOPCon 5.0 technology, which can increase the module power by 15W, reduce the BOS cost by up to 0.5%, and reduce the LCOE by up to 0.27%, with a maximum module power of 650W.
Due to the high single-panel power and low open-voltage design, the number of modules in a single string can be increased by 2 pieces to achieve higher single-string power, and the number of strings under the same installed capacity is less. In this way, it effectively reduces the cost of land, cables, brackets, inverters, etc. Meanwhile, the construction period and O&M complexity can be reduced, and the initial investment on the non-component side can be further lowered. For example, compared with the conventional 182-72 module, the use of the ASTRO N7 ZBB module can increase the power of each tracking bracket system by 15.8%+, reducing the cost of the control system and power system in the tracking bracket.
In addition, the improvement of high single-watt power generation and system efficiency jointly increase the power generation capacity throughout the entire life cycle of power stations, while the lower initial investment and O&M costs to further reduce the LCOE.
What are Astronergy’s plans for expanding the ASTRO N7 ZBB-TOPCon modules in Pakistan’s growing solar market?
As a pioneer in photovoltaic innovation, Astronergy has solidified its leadership position by becoming the world’s first PV manufacturer to achieve both ZBB-TOPCon mass production and a comprehensive ZBB-TOPCon product lineup. Our current production capacity for this cutting-edge product line stands at 2GW, with strategic expansion plans underway to scale up to 6GW by the second half of 2025.
For Pakistan’s dynamic solar market, the ASTRO N7 ZBB-TOPCon series serves as our flagship solution, addressing multiple application scenarios. The multi-scenario adaptability, combined with industry-leading 24.1% module conversion efficiency and high reliability, positions our product solutions as an optimal choice for Pakistan’s diverse climatic conditions and growing energy demands. We are actively collaborating with local partners to establish technical support networks to accelerate clean energy adoption across the country.
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