SunEdison Slashes Solar Costs with New High Efficiency Solar Module Technology

BELMONT, Calif., Oct. 14, 2014 /PRNewswire/ -- SunEdison, Inc. (NYSE: SUNE), a leading solar technology manufacturer and provider of solar energy services, today announced new zero white space (ZWS) solar module technology. The technology can increase solar module power output by up to 15%, effectively decreasing the total system cost by up to 8%.

"SunEdison's ZWS technology is a major achievement that will significantly reduce the cost of solar energy," said Dave Ranhoff, president of solar materials at SunEdison. "Most high efficiency solar modules rely on expensive solar cells, but ZWS technology boosts performance by optimizing the solar module itself. Our R&D centers in St. Peters, Missouri (US) and Bengaluru, India, developed module prototypes which delivered a 10% increase in peak power output, using commercially available PERC cells – and this is just the beginning of where ZWS can take performance."

ZWS technology works by reducing the unused area on the front surface of the solar module not directly involved in electricity production.  Specifically, ZWS utilizes the area between cells, eliminates losses due to bus bar shadowing, and reduces electrical losses.  A reduction in losses and an increase in active area results in higher power output. 

Ranhoff added: "This technology is particularly well suited for area-constrained residential installations. By increasing efficiency without adding cost, we can increase the economic value of solar – in many cases by thousands of dollars. And as an added benefit, ZWS technology creates a beautiful black finish which is highly valued by homeowners."

Using proprietary solar module technology, SunEdison is currently capable of producing 350 watt peak modules in a 72 cell format.  ZWS technology will first be utilized to transform these modules and boost the performance up to 400 watts. High volume manufacturing is expected to begin in the second half of 2015.

About SunEdison

SunEdison is a global leader in transforming how energy is generated, distributed and owned. SunEdison manufactures solar technology and develops, finances, installs and operates distributed solar power plants, delivering predictably priced electricity and services to its residential, commercial, government and utility customers.  SunEdison also provides 24/7 asset management, monitoring and reporting services for hundreds of solar systems worldwide via the company's Renewable Operation Center (ROC). SunEdison has offices in North America, Europe, Africa, India and Asia. SunEdison's common stock is listed on the New York Stock Exchange under the symbol "SUNE."  To learn more visit www.sunedison.com.

Certain matters discussed in this press release are forward-looking statements, including that new zero white space (ZWS) solar module technology can increase solar module power output by up to 15%, effectively decreasing the total system cost by up to 8%; SunEdison's ZWS technology is a major achievement that will significantly reduce the cost of solar energy; and high volume manufacturing is expected to begin in the second half of 2015.  Such statements involve certain risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially from those in the forward-looking statements. Potential risks and uncertainties include changes in applicable regulatory requirements and incentives for production of solar power; and general business and economic conditions, including seasonality of the industry, and other risks described in SunEdison's filings with the United States Securities and Exchange Commission. These forward-looking statements represent SunEdison's judgment as of the date of this press release. SunEdison disclaims, however, any intent or obligation to update these forward-looking statements.

SOURCE SunEdison, Inc.

Related Links

http://www.sunedison.com