In recent years, photovoltaic cells have rapidly changed in terms of technology, formats and sizes. Until about 10-12 years ago, solar panels consisted of small 5-inch (125 mm) cells. A shift to larger cells followed this until the current size of over 200 mm.

Around the world, millions of photovoltaic systems are built with modules using the old technology that need to be replaced. These interventions are known as Revamping or Repowering, which return an existing installation to its old performance and minimize changes of other elements such as inverters or cables.
Upon request, FuturaSun offers four lines of photovoltaic modules that can be used for

Revamping maintenance works:

  • “Vintage” monocrystalline panels with 72 125-mm (5 inches) cells
  • Polycrystalline panels with 60 156.75-mm cells (M2+)
  • Monocrystalline panels with 60 156.75-mm cells (M2+)

Repowering
190 – 210 Wp 

68 CELLS
  • Dimensions:1580 x 808 x 35 mm
  • Weight: 14 kg
  • Module efficiency: up to  16.53%
  • Temperature coefficient Pmax: -0.35 %/ °C

Data sheet

Repowering 300-315 Wp

60 CELLS
  • Dimensions: 1650 x 990 x 35 mm
  • Weight 17.7 kg
  • Module efficiency: up to 19.28%
  • Temperature coefficient Pmax: -0.389 %/ C°

Data sheet

Revamping photovoltaic systems

Modules of existing photovoltaic systems may need to be replaced for different reasons. Usually, these repowering or revamping interventions are caused by:

  • Faulty photovoltaic panels, usually installed between 2010 and 2011
  • Theft in photovoltaic systems
  • Broken photovoltaic modules due to hail or fire

However, renovations could be convenient even just to replace modules that have been in use for at least 10 years with more efficient ones. Photovoltaic modules are subject to natural wear, which, in the worst case scenario, can be of 10% in 10 years.

For Feed-in tariff systems, GSE (Gestore Servizi Energia –Italy’s Energy Service Company) has provided a specific technical documentation (click here to download it) to regulate the replacement of modules and other system components.
The first thing to do is to check that the products have all the required certifications.

FuturaSun provides a complete range of modules for revamping photovoltaic systems, with all the certificates required by GSE for renovation works.