SCHOTT Photovoltaics
Together with the energy supplier SCHOTT has advanced to the status of a major global player within the market for photovoltaics (PV) solar power modules and draws on over 40 years of experience in the field of solar technology.
SCHOTT is Europe's largest manufacturer of PV solar power components, and ranks number 5 in the world. The company's four manufacturing sites in Germany and the United States have a joint production capacity of some 130 megawatts (MW).
SCHOTT EFG-Cell
Wafer cells are the starting material for the EFG cell and are produced using Solar GmbH's internationally patented EFG (Edge-defined Film-fed Growth) method.
In contrast to conventional production by sawing a silicon block, with the EFG method the silicon starting material is drawn directly out of the silicon melt in the form of a hollow octagon (an octagonal tube). The 6metre long silicon octagon profile has a wall thickness of 330 m which is already the thickness of the subsequent cells. The 100 mm x 100 mm wafers are cut directly out of this profile using a laser beam.
The EFG cell has been in use with module producers since 1981 under the hardest climatic conditions in small photovoltaics modules through to award-winning large PV modules with 300 Wp.
SCHOTT Solar PV Module
Crystalline EFG cells with a high-quality finish provide the highest energy yields. The PV modules have been judged many times as the winners in independent studies and tests. Each photovoltaics module type is designed for low-cost system integration, from the frame construction through to the junction box. The solar PV modules come both framed (for on-top roof installation) and unframed (for roof integrated systems).
At present, Rayotec photovoltaics stock 165Wp Framed and 170Wp Unframed PV modules. More PV module sizes will be stocked at a later date or procured directly for customers.
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SCHOTT - The Company
SCHOTT is a multinational, technology-based group with the core purpose of reaching a sustainable improvement to how people live and work through developing, manufacturing and supplying specialty materials, components and systems. With global sales of 2 billion Euros and more than 16,800 employees in 80 companies throughout the world, SCHOTT has long been appreciated for its experience, know-how, and high level of quality.
Other Modules
SCHOTT manufacture a range of solar products including thin film silicon solar modules. For more details about photovoltaics visit their website at www.schott.com
On Top & Roof Integrated Panels
SCHOTT Photovoltaics can provide two kinds of PV modules. The most common is the "On Top" type. These photovoltaics panels have been designed to be fitted on top of the buildings existing tiles. These are ideally suited for renovation projects as no tiles have to be removed leaving the structure of the roof intact.
SCHOTT also supply a "Roof Integrated" photovoltaics module. These replace the tiles of the building becoming part of the fabric of the building. This reduces the cost of the tiles and is more aesthetically pleasing.