Solarplaza’s Top 10 on polycrystalline modules shows that the Dutch company Solland Solar produces modules with the highest efficiency. Solland Solar’s polycrystalline module has a module efficiency of 16.00%, which is 0.3% more than the number two, Siliken.

Solland Solar has created the innovative Sunweb, which utilizes back-contact cell technology. The Sunweb back-contact cell is based on ‘Metal Wrap-Through’ (MWT) technology and a redesigned metallization pattern on the front side. The minimization of metallization on the front side reduces shading, which leads to higher cell efficiency than that found in front-contact polycrystalline cells. Solland Solar is the only company in the Top 10 using this new back-contact technique.

There are six Asian and four European companies represented in this Top 10. This is a difference compared to the Top 10 on monocrystalline modules, which contains eight Asian companies but not one company from Europe. There is also a big difference between the sizes of the companies. LDK Solar is one of the biggest manufacturers in the market with a planned capacity of 2.5 GW in 2011. Vikram is one of the smaller manufacturers in the Top 10, with a 100 MW capacity for 2011. The major manufacturers like Hanwha Solar, Suntech, Trina Solar and Yingli are also located in the Top 25, with module efficiencies at around 15%. The difference between the leader and number 25 is a remarkable 1.0%─in absolute terms a small difference, but relatively significant.

Further Information: Solarplaza (http://www.solarplaza.com/)