3Sun, a company based in Catania, controlled by Enel Green Power, presented, in world premiere, three new photovoltaic modules during the Intersolar Europe 2023 trade fair in Munich. The distinctive feature of these products is theuse of 3Sun Core-H technology, a hetero-junction technology (HJT) completely developed by 3Sun, making it 100% European which guarantees excellent levels of efficiency and reliability superior to the products already available. The modules will be called M40, M40 BOLD and B60, they will be available on the market from 2024.
3Sun Core-H technology
La 3Sun Core-H technology combines layers of crystalline silicon and amorphous silicon to maximize energy efficiency. This design allows for extract more energy from sunlight, making solar modules more efficient, resistant and competitive compared to other products on the market. For example, the Utility-Scale modules use a symmetrical design that allows them to capture sunlight from both sides of the PV cell, achieving a 95% bifacial coefficient, nearly 20% higher than competitors. In 2020, 3Sun managed to break the world efficiency record for commercial cells, reaching 24,63%.
The three new models of the 3Sun
The three new products will be available on the market starting since 2024. Here are their characteristics:
- 3Sun M40: "basic" module dedicated to the roofs of residential and commercial/industrial buildings, with a power of 440-480 W and a design aimed at minimizing installation costs
- 3Sun M40 Bold: premium high-end product, also intended for buildings and, in general, for distributed generation, to satisfy practical and aesthetic needs as much as possible. With a proven lifetime of up to 3 times longer than International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC) standards, a power rating of 430-470W and an efficiency of up to 24,5%, it offers excellent performance and high energy yield both at lower latitudes, typically characterized by an excessively hot summer climate, both in the north, characterized by adverse weather conditions, such as snow and wind, and low light
- 3Sun B60: double-sided module intended for the Utility-Scale segment with power of 640-680 W and efficiency reaching 24%. Glass-to-glass configuration with a white grid between cells for better light reflection along with maximum energy yield in different locations and climate conditions, thanks to low temperature coefficients and low annual degradation, help optimize performance and LCOE (Levelized Cost of Energy). The 95% bifacial coefficient and the materials combined with anti-reflection coatings that minimize losses due to reflected light, make 3SUN B60 particularly suitable for large-scale systems installed mainly on the ground and on structures capable of following the sun throughout the day to maximize production.
The presented modules showed specific characteristics for adapt to different types of uses and needs, keeping the focus on efficiency, sustainability and innovation.
Made in Italy innovation
3Sun modules are completely produced in Italy and comply with stringent sustainability and circularity standards. They do not use lead or fluorine during the production process and take advantage of low temperatures. This allows the modules to offer 3Sun customers a 30-year performance guarantee and to maintain over 91,8% performance after 30 years, significantly better than the market standard.
The three new products represent an important success for research and innovation of 3Sun factory in Catania. The factory is currently engaged in collaboration with CEA/INES (the national institute of solar energy in France) in the development of tandem technology. This innovative technology makes it possible to considerably exceed the state of the art of photovoltaic cells in terms of efficiency, reaching over 30% and at the same time improving the reliability of the panels.
"A new milestone in the history of 3SUN takes the form of the presentation to the solar industry of the new photovoltaic modules that will be produced in our Gigafactory in Catania. Excellence, innovation and sustainability are our cornerstones for building latest generation photovoltaic panels, capable of competing with the big players on the market. From today, the photovoltaic industry can count on a new protagonist, to help achieve the decarbonisation goals and build a more independent and energy-secure Europe” he commented Aelian Russo, CEO of 3Sun.
The Tango Project
The was started "TANGO" project (acronym of iTaliAN Giga factOry), which will allow the Catania factory to increase its production capacity from 200 MW per year to approx 3GW per year. Initially, production will focus on photovoltaic modules based on HJT technology but subsequently, it will be implemented with Tandem technology. THE extension works of the 3SUN Gigafactory started in April 2022 and are expected to be completed by 2024. There will be two phases of expansion: the first foresees 400 MW operating starting from September 2023, while the full operating capacity will be reached starting from July 2024. The production of the photovoltaic modules in Tandem configuration is scheduled for the end of 2025.
