Solarwatt launches Panel vision M 5.0 construct, a bifacial TOPCon BIPV module with DIBt approval
Solarwatt added a bifacial TOPCon module with abZ building approval to its Construct BIPV series, which simplifies permitting for facades and overhead glazing.
German manufacturer Solarwatt, based in Dresden, has expanded its Construct series of building-integrated photovoltaic (BIPV) modules with the Panel vision M 5.0 construct, pv-magazine.com reports. The company said the module has received general building authority approval (allgemeine bauaufsichtliche Zulassung, abZ) from the German Institute for Construction Technology (DIBt) pv-magazine.com
pv-magazine.compv-magazine.comOpen source ↗. Several other products in the Solarwatt BIPV portfolio have held this certification since 2020.
Building approval and applications
According to Solarwatt, the abZ simplifies regulatory procedures for applications that usually face stricter building requirements, including overhead glazing and facade installations. The company named carports, parking canopies, facades and certain green roof applications as suitable uses for the new module.
“With our Construct modules, we significantly reduce the bureaucratic burden on contractors, as the abZ ensures that the primary regulatory hurdles have already been cleared,” said Solarwatt product manager Norbert Betzl. Since 2020, the company has supplied modules with abZ certification for European projects totaling 33 MW.
Cells, glass and warranty
Solarwatt has not disclosed the full technical specifications of the Panel vision M 5.0 construct. The company said the module uses bifacial tunnel oxide passivated contact (TOPCon) half-cut cells and delivers up to 227 W/m², more than 20% above the previous generation pv-magazine.com
pv-magazine.compv-magazine.comOpen source ↗. The earlier Panel vision GM 3.0 construct is based on bifacial passivated emitter and rear cell (PERC) technology, with module efficiencies of 19.4% to 19.9% depending on the version.
The new module has 3.2 mm glass panes, compared with 2 mm in the GM 3.0 construct. Solarwatt said the thicker glass and a reinforced frame improve resistance to high snow and wind loads, which makes the module suitable for alpine regions and high-rise facades. The company also claims high resistance to hail impacts.
The Panel vision M 5.0 construct can be ordered through the Solarwatt Pro portal for installation partners. Like the company's other glass-glass modules, it carries a 30-year product warranty and a performance guarantee of at least 90% of the original rated output after 30 years.
