Kyocera solar modules at actual 20+ year-old installations still performing with high-efficiency

Two aspects of major importance for any solar module are energy conversion efficiency and product life. Photovoltaics pioneer Kyocera is especially proud of two real-life examples of extraordinary product life that have maintained continuously high levels of efficiency. In Huvudsta, Sweden (near Stockholm) and in the Swiss canton of Vaud, solar power generating systems using Kyocera solar modules have been producing reliable solar power for more than 20 years each — demonstrating that the company’s solar modules possess exceptional durability and reliability.

Pioneering Swiss installation: 20 years on the sunny side

Since 1991, an integrated installation in the garden of a private home in Bassins, Switzerland has been producing 2,800 kilowatt hours per year of solar electricity. After 20 years of operation, the modules have produced more than 55,000 kilowatt hours of sustainable, clean energy — with a near-constant efficiency level. The pioneering solar installation was the first private facility in the region to be connected to the power grid. In this system 45 multicrystalline Kyocera modules with an output of 62.7 Wp each are installed — for a total of 2.82 kWp.

20 years is a long time in the fast-pace field of solar energy, which is constantly developing through innovation. Therefore, the efficiency of the modules that were manufactured with the technology of that time is particularly remarkable. To this day, as a pioneer in innovation and technology of solar modules, Kyocera has been able to improve the longevity and efficiency of its modules significantly. As a comparison of the developments over the years, the amount of power generated from the installation required an area of approximately 24m2 some 20 years ago, but can now be provided on just over half this area. Furthermore, the cost of a solar power generating system has been reduced to just a quarter of what it was 20 years ago.

Proven long-term solution: Kyocera modules in Sweden

Sweden's first grid-connected photovoltaic system was built in 1984 in Huvudsta, Stockholm. Since its installation, the façade-mounted system has been continuously and reliably providing the residents of an apartment building with environmentally-friendly electricity. The modules were tested by the system owner after an operating period of 23 years, and the results showed that the modules’ performance was still reliable — with no significant degradation in energy conversion efficiency. The system consists of 48 polycrystalline Kyocera modules with an output of 44 Wp each — for a total of 2.1 kWp. Therefore, the total annual energy output of approximately 1,600 kWh is generated — mainly during the up to 18 hours of sunlight per day in the Swedish summer. The electricity generated from solar energy is used entirely in the residential building.

Kyocera is a pioneer in the field of renewable energy. Since 1975, the Japanese technology company has been focusing on the research, development and promotion of solar energy. Kyocera provides solar power products with excellent quality owing to the company’s extensive R&D, innovative technology and strict quality control standards.