This review delves into the performance of the upgraded Eco Worthy 100W bifacial solar panel, highlighting significant improvements over its predecessor. The new model boasts a larger size, resulting in increased light capture and a substantial power output boost. We'll explore the changes in cell configuration – from square to rectangular cells – and analyze their impact on the panel's electrical characteristics, including open-circuit voltage and overall efficiency. Beyond the size and cell arrangement, the review examines the effectiveness of the bifacial design, testing power generation from both the front and back surfaces under varying conditions.Detailed testing under various lighting conditions, including the use of reflective materials to enhance rear-side light absorption, will be presented. We’ll also assess the panel's sensitivity to shading and measure its short-circuit current to independently verify its efficiency. The review concludes with an overall assessment of the panel’s performance, comparing its power generation capabilities to the older model and discussing the implications of its design for maximizing energy output in real-world applications.
Pros And Cons
- 13% larger than the older model
- Produces 25% more power than the older model
- Can generate power from both the front and back sides
- Achieved nearly 100% efficiency in testing under optimal conditions (with reflector)
- High output even on cloudy days (around 90%)
- Highly susceptible to shading; even partial shading significantly reduces output
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Size and Design Comparison: Old vs. New
The Eco Worthy 100W bifacial solar panel has undergone a significant upgrade. The newer model boasts a 13% increase in size compared to its predecessor, resulting in a noticeable difference in both shape and overall dimensions. This larger surface area directly translates to improved light capture and ultimately, higher power output. The cell configuration also differs: rectangular cells in the new model versus square cells in the older version. This change contributes to the overall performance improvement.
The dimensions of both panels were documented. The difference is substantial, with the newer model exhibiting a more efficient design. This upgrade isn't merely cosmetic; it's a key factor in the panel's enhanced performance and energy generation capabilities.
Cell Configuration and Voltage Output
The difference in cell configuration plays a crucial role in the panels' electrical characteristics. The newer model utilizes 33 rectangular solar cells connected in series, leading to a lower open-circuit voltage (22.7 volts) compared to the older model's 36 square cells and higher open-circuit voltage (24.5 volts). While the lower voltage might seem like a drawback, it's important to consider the overall power output improvement achieved through the design changes and increased surface area.
This difference is not simply a matter of numbers; it reflects a strategic redesign focused on maximizing efficiency. The overall power output of the newer model surpasses the older one, demonstrating that these design choices are effective in boosting performance.
Bifacial Technology and Light Absorption
A key feature of both panels is their bifacial design. Unlike traditional solar panels, bifacial panels can generate power from both the front and back sides. The transparent backing allows light to pass through, reaching the cells on the rear side. This increases overall energy harvesting potential. The reviewer emphasizes the importance of proper installation to maximize this benefit, suggesting that the panel should not be placed flush against a wall but rather with a slight gap to allow rear-side light absorption.
The tabbing wires on the back of the panel are clearly visible. These wires play a crucial role in transporting electrons generated by sunlight to the main terminals. This design maximizes the panel's ability to capture light from all angles, further boosting its power output capabilities.
Performance Comparison: Watts Output
A direct power output comparison was conducted between the old and new models under similar lighting conditions. The new model consistently outperformed the older model. The new panel generated 81 watts versus the older model's 65 watts, representing a significant 25% increase in power generation. This reinforces the impact of the design upgrades on the panel’s overall efficiency.
Further testing under slightly hazy conditions yielded an output of approximately 87-88 watts for the new panel. The reviewer then demonstrated the power generated from the rear side alone, resulting in 48 watts—a testament to the effectiveness of the bifacial technology.
Enhancing Efficiency with Reflectors
The reviewer experimented with increasing efficiency by adding a reflective material (safety blanket) to the back of the panel. This simple modification led to a substantial increase in power output—from approximately 85 watts to over 100 watts. This demonstration showcases the potential for further performance enhancement through the strategic use of reflective materials.
The increase in wattage with the addition of the reflective material proved to be significant. The results clearly illustrate how optimizing light reflection can drastically improve energy production.
Shading Effects and Short Circuit Current
The reviewer also tested the panel's sensitivity to shading. Even partially shading a single cell significantly reduced the output, dropping from 85 watts to near zero. This highlights the importance of avoiding shade to maintain optimal performance. The final test involved measuring the short circuit current to determine the panel's efficiency independently of the power station’s charge controller.
By directly measuring the short circuit current (approximately 5.1 amps, closely matching the 5.5 amps indicated on the panel), a more accurate assessment of the panel's efficiency was obtained. The results demonstrated a high degree of efficiency—nearly 100%—confirming the panel's exceptional performance capabilities.
Conclusion: A High-Performing Bifacial Panel
The Eco Worthy 100W bifacial solar panel shows impressive performance, often exceeding its advertised wattage under optimal conditions. Its design improvements, including increased size and rectangular cell configuration, contribute to a notable increase in power output compared to the older model. The bifacial technology and sensitivity to shading are important factors to consider.
While the panel exhibits high efficiency, shade significantly impacts its performance. Therefore, proper installation and careful consideration of shading are essential for maximizing its benefits. Overall, this panel offers impressive power generation capabilities, making it a strong contender in the bifacial solar panel market.