Quality over quantity. It’s not in the fabric of REC to be a world leader by volume. Besides, leaders by volume fluctuate, quality is more consistent, and any business invested in constant innovation and quality is in it for the long haul. The engineers behind REC solar panels have a reputation for developing some of the most influential solar module designs over the last decade. Harbouring an outstanding reputation since the company’s inception, the question is, which REC Solar panels should you consider in 2022?
Manufacturer:
REC Group.
Series:
TwinPeak 4, N-Peak 2, Alpha, Alpha Pure.
Editors Choice:
REC Alpha Pure (2022).
TLDR:
A respected product quality solution at the forefront of consistent innovation. 2022/23 range of REC Solar panels certainly aren’t the cheapest, but that’s not what you want, your seeking a reliable and precise energy investment built to endure time in diverse global environments.
This year’s range of REC Solar panels is more technologically diverse than any other, yet remains beautifully simple as a product suite. Heterojunction (HJT), N-Type and P-Type monocrystalline cell designs form the foundation of 4 uniquely characteristic solar modules all with distinct aspects of appeal to varied investors.
From the ultra-modern appeal and outstanding temperature resistance of the REC Alpha & Alpha Pure series through to the more economically pleasing award-winning design of the REC Twinpeak 4, the particular REC Solar panel ideal for your solar project is very much a case of individual preference.
Poll:
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Video; Preview the REC Solar fully automated manufacturing facility (Singapore).
1. TwinPeak 4: 73/100
It’s the REC Solar panel one selects when investor confidence exists in the brand. It’s also the admirable entry-level REC module option leveraging off the original Intersolar Award-winning Twinpeak design (now adopted by many) with modern P-Type mono PERC cell foundation and improved efficiency enhancement features.
With a slightly above average NOCT Power Density (Above Avg (Cat1)), the surface area for intended installation isn’t a concern. In the case of the REC TwinPeak 4, you need a respected REC Solar panel with super reinforced loading features combined with one of the better-associated installer networks for optimal product guarantee security. Where project feasibility is a concern and a calibre of very good overall module specifications are prerequisites, the REC TwinPeak 4 is a worthy candidate for the researched investor.
Available in a full-black variant, lowering power density marginally, the REC Twinpeak 4 provides a solution towards improved aesthetic appeal should such requirements exist.
Model: Manufacturers model name. Output: Standard Test Conditions (STC) peak wattage range. Application: Manufacturers recommended application – Residential or Industry. Density: Maximum Power density per square meter at NOCT of the highest output module.
Report: REC TwinPeak 4.
Video; REC N-Peak solar module preview.
2. N-Peak 2: 75/100
When nothing less than an N-Type monocrystalline solar cell is a prerequisite, the REC N-Peak 2 is a worthy candidate. Once again, REC possesses technology foresight with precise adoption of certain technologies ahead of the popularity curve. The REC N-Peak 2 is a modern module design leveraging from REC’s award-winning cell formation, now widely utilised by the competition.
The REC N-Peak 2 is a near-identical version of the Twinpeak 4 series using N-Type TOPCon solar cell technology. N-Type TOPCon solar cells offer improved efficiency and reduced performance degradation over time, ensuring module power output at no less than 92% of the nameplate value by year 25 (under Standard Test Conditions). Like the appeal of the REC Twinpeak 4 but prefer your technology a little more advanced? Then the REC N-Peak 2 is a superior solar module by specification.
Model: Manufacturers model name. Output: Standard Test Conditions (STC) peak wattage range. Application: Manufacturers recommended application – Residential or Industry. Density: Maximum Power density per square meter at NOCT of the highest output module.
Report: REC N-Peak.
Image; REC Alpha series (Italy).
3. Alpha Series: 78/100
REC surges to international acclaim once more with the 2019 released Alpha series solar module featuring game-changing Hetero-Junction (HJT) cell technology. Why all the hype? HJT solar cells aren’t new. However, REC successfully developed a more economically viable solution in order to deliver such high-temperature resistant technology to the masses.
Improving temperature coefficient improves module performance in environmental conditions beyond Standard Test Conditions (STC) where efficiency usually suffers. Such a result at scale reestablished REC Solar’s reputation as a genuine industry innovator of advanced solar module designs in 2020 with the esteemed Intersolar award (photovoltaics).
Two variants of the REC Alpha exist, a residentially suited base Alpha model and the industry targeted Alpha 72 incorporating two additional rows of full cells. Both are equipped with elite (and equal) power density at NOCT (Nominal Operating Cell Temperature), the REC Alpha series cements itself firmly in a calibre of highly efficient module designs occupied by few.
Model: Manufacturers model name. Output: Standard Test Conditions (STC) peak wattage range. Application: Manufacturers recommended application – Residential or Industry. Density: Maximum Power density per square meter at NOCT of the highest output module.
Report: Alpha.
Video; REC Alpha Pure solar module preview.
4. Alpha Pure: 81/100
A consistent evolution, the REC Alpha pure series catapults the Alpha range to the forefront of more sustainable solar module designs going 100% lead-free. Same HJT solar cell design (as the original Alpha), improved energy density at NOCT, with a more environmentally conscious format made even more desirable with an aesthetically pleasing all-black appearance.
The REC Alpha pure series is targeted primarily towards residential investors and small scale projects where visual appeal and high-end performance is an essential factor. A new trend of solar modules is emerging in 2022 from highly regarded module manufacturers. That trend is 100% Lead-free, and once again, we see REC Solar at the forefront of innovation with the REC Alpha-pure. An overall superior solar module fit for any discerning investor’s shortlist.
Model: Manufacturers model name. Output: Standard Test Conditions (STC) peak wattage range. Application: Manufacturers recommended application – Residential or Industry. Density: Maximum Power density per square meter at NOCT of the highest output module.
Report: REC Alpha Pure.
Video; REC Alpha HJT solar cells under load vs conventional P-Type mono cells.
Overall: 77/100
If only all manufacturers had such a technology-specific product suite, selecting the ideal solar module for any particular project would be easier. The REC solar panels available in 2022 are remarkably unique with what is considered advanced options in each technology calibre. They’re not the cheapest, though, and that’s not what you’re seeking when considering REC Solar panels in 2022/23.
The astute investor in you seeks long-term, high yielding energy returns from your investment from a brand that paves the way for so many. As a renowned solar module innovator by reputation, rest assured that the technology available in the market has a proven track record of success, ahead of others that later adopt similar module designs.
*Denotes the REC Solar range Solar Analytica Editors Choice Award.
Poll:
Which particular REC solar panels are you considering?
Haven’t contributed yet? It takes 1-second to anonymously discover the most popular REC solar panels like-minded people are researching globally with Solar Analytica Polls and compare how common your particular REC solar panels are;
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REC Solar product range, manufacturers international site. Visit >
Additional References not contained within the body content of this post, please view the individual product reports for centralised; testing certifications, warranty information and other document assets relevant to the specific product.
- REC TwinPeak 4.
- REC N-Peak 2.
- REC Alpha.
- REC Alpha Pure.
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