Dual Aperture Technology

Most conventional solar modules are "single aperture", meaning that they collect solar radiation from the front face only. These solar panels use mono-facial solar cells and typically have a solid, metallic back plane which serves as an electrode and reflects some energy back through the panel.

A conventional, single aperture solar module.

A single aperture solar module absorbs most wavelengths of incident light; however, the cells are only able to convert wavelengths from 400-1100nm to electricity. The remainder is absorbed and converted to heat, which reduces panel efficiency.

Moreover, these modules are efficient only over a fairly limited range of incident angles. A mechanical tracking mechanism is typically employed to keep the solar panel at an optimal angle, which adds expense and maintenance over the panel's life.

A dual aperture solar module begins with bi-facial solar cells that collect solar energy from both the front and back faces. Bi-facial cells receive direct sunlight and also capture additional energy in reflection.

A Bifacial Solar Cell

Prism Solar's Generation II Dual Aperture HPC Solar Modules are based around bi-facial solar cells. Cell efficiency is increased significantly by the use of bi-facial HPC Film, which keeps the cells at high efficiency even in low light conditions. The ability to collect direct, low angle, diffuse and reflected light enables Prism's DA-HPC solar modules to produce more kilowatt-hours using less expensive silicon.

Prism Solar's HPC modules collect energy from all angles throughout the year.

Prism Solar Technologies has research and development, manufacturing and support facilities in New York and Arizona.