Solarfam SZ-180-MC 180W CPC semi-flexible solar module, 1,270×790mm180W TOPCon semi-flexible module, 1,270×790×2mm, 3.9kg

Overview

This version of the SZ-180-MC packs 180W of N-type TOPCon cells into a 1,270×790mm semi-flexible laminate, 2mm thick and 3.9kg. It delivers 22.04V and 8.17A at maximum power, with 25.84V open-circuit voltage and 8.66A short-circuit current. The wide, short format suits motorhome and boat roofs where length is limited. Solarfam also builds the SZ-180-MC in other formats (1,560×600mm, 1,260×780mm), so check the size when ordering. Leads are 900mm with MC4 plugs.

• 2mm laminate with CPC front layer, no glass
• 2.3–4.2kg depending on power
• Shingled monocrystalline cells
• IP67 junction box, 900mm MC4 leads
• 200V maximum system voltage
• 2-year manufacturer warranty

How it works

Solarfam CPC semi-flexible modules are 2mm-thick laminates with no frame or glass, meant for curved or weight-sensitive surfaces such as van, motorhome and boat roofs. The front layer is CPC, a composite that Solarfam rates for weather resistance and light transmission and considers better than ETFE, laminated with EVA onto a backsheet. Shingled cells with a busbar-free connection lower internal resistance and, according to the manufacturer, greatly reduce the risk of micro-cracks.

Weight runs from 2.3kg for the 100W SZ-100-MC to 4.2kg for the 200W SZ-200-MC, less than half of a framed glass module of the same power in Solarfam's range. The maker states that the composite build protects the cells better than conventional flexible panels and that the surface can be walked on. The 100W and 150W sizes are offered with a white or black finish.

Key features

Every model has an IP67 junction box with a bypass diode and 900mm leads of 2.5mm² ending in MC4 or MC4-compatible plugs. Maximum system voltage is 200V and output tolerance ±3%. The permitted working temperature is -20…+65°C, a narrower window than the -40…+80°C of Solarfam's framed glass modules, which is worth bearing in mind on roofs that get very hot. All modules are EL-tested before packing.

Installation and warranty

Solarfam's datasheets do not prescribe a fixing method, so the installer chooses one suited to the roof surface and checks that the cable exit is sealed. As with any module, connect through a PWM or MPPT charge controller and check open-circuit voltage and short-circuit current against its limits; parallel wiring keeps the voltage within reach of controllers for 12V batteries.

The semi-flexible range carries a 2-year manufacturer warranty; the datasheets state no separate power-output warranty. Each module ships in a single carton, and the datasheets give pallet quantities and dimensions for volume orders, for example 30 modules per pallet for the 100W, 150W and 180W sizes.

Questions and answers