SolarWorld made the debut of the company’s first high efficiency 72-cell bifacial solar panel at the Solar Power International (SPI) 2015 tradeshow in California. The new technology generates up to 25% more power than conventional 72-cell modules and will be available in the first half of 2016. The 60-cell version with the same technology will be available in late 2015.

The new 72-cell bifacial PV module is protected by a layer of glass on one side and a sturdy but lightweight clear back sheet on the other. All new solar panels are consisted by mono-PERC solar cells so the power output is higher than conventional 72-cell panels by up to 25% as the new products produce more electricity by tapping direct sunlight striking the face of the solar panel as well as indirect light refracting on the back from surfaces below. As an example, a SolarWorld 330W bifacial panel will produce energy equivalent to that of a conventional panel of up to about 410W.

“The size and power generation of this new 72-cell product are particularly well-suited for the solar industry’s commercial and industrial segments,” said Ardes Johnson, U.S. vice president for sales and marketing for SolarWorld. "Quite simply, this product will increase the harvest of electricity and thereby lower the cost of energy.”

The company previously debuted a 60-cell version, combining the advantages of the company’s Sunmodule Protect glass-glass module with innovative bifacial technology. The 60-cell module comes with a 30-year performance guarantee featuring annual degradation of no more than 0.3%.