FAQ's
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Our solar panels - uncompromising in quality
The first DAVOS modules were produced in 2016. At that time, the modules were being developed in a Swiss company and were only accessible to a small group of installers, which specialized in the installation of PV systems - mostly island solutions - in the high mountains.
The aim was to build high-alpine modules which, in addition to the high snow load, were also adapted to the requirements of the extreme weather in the high mountain range.
The aim was to build high-alpine modules which, in addition to the high snow load, were also adapted to the requirements of the extreme weather in the high mountain range.
In 2019, as the demand for Davos modules continued to grow and installers from Austria and southern Germany began to show interest, we decided to relocate module production to Asia in 2021 in order to increase production volumes, thereby reducing costs, while maintaining our high Swiss quality standards.
Several test laboratories on site and in Switzerland ensure that high quality standards are maintained.
In 2022, production in China was ready and SwissWatt One AG was founded as a manufacturing and sales platform for Davos modules.
Several test laboratories on site and in Switzerland ensure that high quality standards are maintained.
In 2022, production in China was ready and SwissWatt One AG was founded as a manufacturing and sales platform for Davos modules.
The SwissWatt One modules are produced in China for cost reasons. We work on site with our people and our machines. In addition to our own high quality controls, the Sinovoltaics In addition, compliance with our high Swiss quality standards.
The most important criteria are:
- Robustness
- Longevity
- Aesthetics
- Security
Ensuring ethically correct production:
In the past, China has repeatedly been criticized for forcing the Uyghurs to work under cruel conditions and thus exploiting them.
However, there are various ways to ensure that none of these products manufactured under forced labor are included in our modules.
One option is to boycott products from companies that have been associated with forced labor by Uyghurs in the past. Some countries have also passed laws banning the import of products made using forced labor.
Another sensible approach that we support is to support companies that are committed to ethical working conditions and ensure that their supply chains are free from forced labor.
We only work with companies that have implemented programs to monitor their supply chains to ensure that they are free from forced labor.
The most important criteria are:
- Robustness
- Longevity
- Aesthetics
- Security
Ensuring ethically correct production:
In the past, China has repeatedly been criticized for forcing the Uyghurs to work under cruel conditions and thus exploiting them.
However, there are various ways to ensure that none of these products manufactured under forced labor are included in our modules.
One option is to boycott products from companies that have been associated with forced labor by Uyghurs in the past. Some countries have also passed laws banning the import of products made using forced labor.
Another sensible approach that we support is to support companies that are committed to ethical working conditions and ensure that their supply chains are free from forced labor.
We only work with companies that have implemented programs to monitor their supply chains to ensure that they are free from forced labor.
The cost of producing the modules in Switzerland or Europe would mean that the modules would no longer be profitable. Especially as production in China would produce modules that are just as good while maintaining quality standards.
If the legal framework conditions in the EU were to change and subsidies were to be proclaimed by the EU, then production in Europe might make sense.
Unfortunately, the German government's rejection of Mayer Burger has dampened hopes that we will be able to open up a new location in Germany, for example.
However, there are also positive developments. The EU Commission is planning to create a total of 30 gigawatts of new photovoltaic production in Europe by 2025. The "European Solar Initiative" is intended to help boost the production of solar cells and modules in Europe again.
If the legal framework conditions in the EU were to change and subsidies were to be proclaimed by the EU, then production in Europe might make sense.
Unfortunately, the German government's rejection of Mayer Burger has dampened hopes that we will be able to open up a new location in Germany, for example.
However, there are also positive developments. The EU Commission is planning to create a total of 30 gigawatts of new photovoltaic production in Europe by 2025. The "European Solar Initiative" is intended to help boost the production of solar cells and modules in Europe again.
The functionality of TopCon solar cells is based on the principle of tunnel oxide passivation contacts. A wafer-thin layer of silicon oxide, the tunnel oxide, prevents direct contact between the metallic connection contacts and the doped silicon layer, which increases efficiency. This SiO₂ layer passivates the surface, i.e. it blocks the passage of one type of charge carrier. However, the layer is so thin that the current can "tunnel through" it quantum mechanically.
In addition to this "tunnel layer", a further layer of highly doped silicon is added, which improves the electrical conductivity and reduces transmission losses. As a result, the solar cells have a higher efficiency than conventional solar cells.
In addition to this "tunnel layer", a further layer of highly doped silicon is added, which improves the electrical conductivity and reduces transmission losses. As a result, the solar cells have a higher efficiency than conventional solar cells.
The acronym TopCon stands for Tunnel Oxide Passivated Contact and describes the specific structure of a solar cell. A TopCon solar cell is a "new type" of solar cell developed by researchers at the Fraunhofer Institute was developed in 2013 for Solar Energy Systems in Freiburg. The technology aims to improve the efficiency of solar cells.
PERC and TopCon cells are two types of solar cells that differ in their structure and efficiency. PERC stands for "Passivated Emitter and Rear Cell", while TopCon stands for "Tunnel Oxide Passivated Contact".
The main difference between the two cell types is that the TopCon cell has an additional layer that prevents direct contact between the metal connection contacts and the doped silicon layer, which increases efficiency. In comparison, the PERC cell uses a technology called backside passivation.
The most important difference, however, is that the TopCon cell is more efficient than the PERC cell and performs better in low light conditions.
The main difference between the two cell types is that the TopCon cell has an additional layer that prevents direct contact between the metal connection contacts and the doped silicon layer, which increases efficiency. In comparison, the PERC cell uses a technology called backside passivation.
The most important difference, however, is that the TopCon cell is more efficient than the PERC cell and performs better in low light conditions.
The SwissWatt One Davos modules, namely:
- Davos Diamond Glass Glass:
- A bifacial black module, available in the 420, 425 and 430 watt power classes.
- Davos Noir (glass foil):
- A completely black module, available in the 420, 425 and 430 watt power classes.
- Davos Blanc (glass foil)
- A black module with white backsheet, available in the 435 and 440 watt power classes.
All have a frame with black anodized aluminium alloy.
- Davos Diamond Glass Glass:
- A bifacial black module, available in the 420, 425 and 430 watt power classes.
- Davos Noir (glass foil):
- A completely black module, available in the 420, 425 and 430 watt power classes.
- Davos Blanc (glass foil)
- A black module with white backsheet, available in the 435 and 440 watt power classes.
All have a frame with black anodized aluminium alloy.
- Our photovoltaic modules have a extremely high load limit, so that they can be used in high alpine areas and high mountains. Snow loads up to 9000Pa have been tested and verified. Wind loads up to 4000Pa.
- Thanks to the use of graphene to coat the cells, the modules have a longer service life and less degradation.
- Davos photovoltaic modules have a Guaranteed additional power over 30 years (glass-foil) or 35 years (glass-glass PV module). Due to a low degradation (LID/PID) of only 0.25% per year, the efficiency is as follows:
- after 25 years: 93.00%
- after 30 years: 91.75% (Davos Noir / Davos Blanc - glass foil)
- after 35 years: 90,50% (Davos Diamond - glass / glass)
- Strictest control of the suppliers of our raw materials, to the highest standard. This means that the use of critical materials can be avoided. Our products are free from forced labor and Uyghur.
- Additional test of the Davos modules by an external test center in China - Sinovoltaics (a joint venture of Munich Re). As well as random checks by the SPF - Swiss test laboratory.
- We achieve high cosmetic standards thanks to the external test laboratory. This ensures that no silicone residue or other impurities are visible on the modules.
- Pre-sorting of the cells for a homogeneous surface and a uniform appearance of the modules on the roof.
- Flat-rate service fee for the replacement of a defective module under warranty.
- With these modules you get a Swiss guarantor.
- Highest temperature resistance (-45°C to +88°C)
- In Germany only available through direct sales via selected partners.
- Partner program available from mid-Q2 - 2024.
- Thanks to the use of graphene to coat the cells, the modules have a longer service life and less degradation.
- Davos photovoltaic modules have a Guaranteed additional power over 30 years (glass-foil) or 35 years (glass-glass PV module). Due to a low degradation (LID/PID) of only 0.25% per year, the efficiency is as follows:
- after 25 years: 93.00%
- after 30 years: 91.75% (Davos Noir / Davos Blanc - glass foil)
- after 35 years: 90,50% (Davos Diamond - glass / glass)
- Strictest control of the suppliers of our raw materials, to the highest standard. This means that the use of critical materials can be avoided. Our products are free from forced labor and Uyghur.
- Additional test of the Davos modules by an external test center in China - Sinovoltaics (a joint venture of Munich Re). As well as random checks by the SPF - Swiss test laboratory.
- We achieve high cosmetic standards thanks to the external test laboratory. This ensures that no silicone residue or other impurities are visible on the modules.
- Pre-sorting of the cells for a homogeneous surface and a uniform appearance of the modules on the roof.
- Flat-rate service fee for the replacement of a defective module under warranty.
- With these modules you get a Swiss guarantor.
- Highest temperature resistance (-45°C to +88°C)
- In Germany only available through direct sales via selected partners.
- Partner program available from mid-Q2 - 2024.
The Davos modules have a lower degradation (< 0.25%) than the industry standard 0.40% to 0.70%, as they are treated with a specific graphene in addition to the n-type TopCon technology and high-purity silicon. Graphene is a modification of the chemical element carbon with a two-dimensional structure and can be used in the solar industry as a protective layer for solar modules.
However, it is important to note that graphene does not reduce the sun's rays itself, but serves as a protective layer to protect the solar modules from damage caused by UV radiation, moisture and other environmental influences. Coating with graphene can help to extend the life of solar modules and improve their performance.
However, it is important to note that graphene does not reduce the sun's rays itself, but serves as a protective layer to protect the solar modules from damage caused by UV radiation, moisture and other environmental influences. Coating with graphene can help to extend the life of solar modules and improve their performance.
N-type and p-type refer to two types of solar cells that are made from silicon. The difference between the two types lies in the type of doping used during the manufacturing process.
P-type solar cells are positively doped and consist of a silicon crystal doped with boron. The boron atoms have a lower number of electrons than silicon atoms, which creates holes in the crystal. These holes can absorb electrons and thus contribute to the generation of electricity.
N-type solar cells, on the other hand, are negatively doped and consist of a silicon crystal doped with phosphorus. The phosphorus atoms have a higher number of electrons than silicon atoms, resulting in excess electrons in the crystal. These excess electrons contribute to the generation of electricity.
To summarize:
- P-type cells tend to "initially degrade" when exposed to light, while N-type cells reduce this problem.
- N-type cells are less susceptible to metallic contamination, show less power-induced degradation (PID) and are more temperature-resistant.
- N-type cells have a low temperature coefficient, the performance decreases only slightly with increasing temperatures.
P-type solar cells are positively doped and consist of a silicon crystal doped with boron. The boron atoms have a lower number of electrons than silicon atoms, which creates holes in the crystal. These holes can absorb electrons and thus contribute to the generation of electricity.
N-type solar cells, on the other hand, are negatively doped and consist of a silicon crystal doped with phosphorus. The phosphorus atoms have a higher number of electrons than silicon atoms, resulting in excess electrons in the crystal. These excess electrons contribute to the generation of electricity.
To summarize:
- P-type cells tend to "initially degrade" when exposed to light, while N-type cells reduce this problem.
- N-type cells are less susceptible to metallic contamination, show less power-induced degradation (PID) and are more temperature-resistant.
- N-type cells have a low temperature coefficient, the performance decreases only slightly with increasing temperatures.
Yes, the Davos modules are stored in PV*Sol. PV*Sol is one of the most important planning and simulation software for photovoltaic systems. With PV*Sol you can plan and simulate modern PV systems, from small rooftop systems to large solar parks. The software supports you in the design and optimization of your system in combination with consumers, battery systems and electric vehicles.
The Davos modules have general building authority approval (abZ) for overhead installation.
The SwissWatt One AG modules have also been tested and certified by TÜV Rheinland for compliance with national and international standards. These include the IEC 61215-1/-2:2016 and IEC 61730-1/-2:2016 standards. These certifications confirm that the modules are robust, resilient and reliable and can deliver the guaranteed rated output and the predicted energy yield.
The SwissWatt One AG modules have also been tested and certified by TÜV Rheinland for compliance with national and international standards. These include the IEC 61215-1/-2:2016 and IEC 61730-1/-2:2016 standards. These certifications confirm that the modules are robust, resilient and reliable and can deliver the guaranteed rated output and the predicted energy yield.
SwissWatt One AG tries to keep costs as low as possible and to pass them on to its partners.
Some factors that make the Davos modules more expensive:
Quality and testing laboratory - China:
In the production of our modules, which are monitored by Sinovoltaics, we have an industry-standard negative output of approx. 0.05% of our modules. These modules, which do not meet our quality standards, are taken directly off the market. This already increases the costs compared to other manufacturers who do not make this selection.
BOM:
The so-called BOM (Bill of Materials) contains all the raw materials needed to build a module - from the glass to the frame, from the cell to the encapsulant.
As we pay restrictive attention to high-quality materials (this is essential to ensure a lower degradation rate) and also reject "critical material" from the Xinjiang Autonomous Region, the prices are correspondingly higher. As a result, in addition to higher quality, we also guarantee protection against forced or child labor in the BOM of our modules.
Furthermore, SwissWatt One AG only works with high-purity silicon and certain graphene for coating the cells. Thanks to these two factors, the modules have a longer service life and less degradation.
Quality and test centers - Switzerland: Random checks by SPF to ensure the robustness and durability of the modules.
This explains why Davos modules generally have higher production costs. But it also explains why our quality is so excellent!
Some factors that make the Davos modules more expensive:
Quality and testing laboratory - China:
In the production of our modules, which are monitored by Sinovoltaics, we have an industry-standard negative output of approx. 0.05% of our modules. These modules, which do not meet our quality standards, are taken directly off the market. This already increases the costs compared to other manufacturers who do not make this selection.
BOM:
The so-called BOM (Bill of Materials) contains all the raw materials needed to build a module - from the glass to the frame, from the cell to the encapsulant.
As we pay restrictive attention to high-quality materials (this is essential to ensure a lower degradation rate) and also reject "critical material" from the Xinjiang Autonomous Region, the prices are correspondingly higher. As a result, in addition to higher quality, we also guarantee protection against forced or child labor in the BOM of our modules.
Furthermore, SwissWatt One AG only works with high-purity silicon and certain graphene for coating the cells. Thanks to these two factors, the modules have a longer service life and less degradation.
Quality and test centers - Switzerland: Random checks by SPF to ensure the robustness and durability of the modules.
This explains why Davos modules generally have higher production costs. But it also explains why our quality is so excellent!
Quality inspection - of our PV modules
We want to be the best!
Defective modules are immediately identified by our inspection mechanisms, sorted out and recycled (standard failure rate in the industry on average approx. 4%). Unfortunately, this strict handling is rarely carried out by many manufacturers.
We think 4% standard failure rate is 4% too much.
Sinovoltaics accompanies the modules up to and including the inspection of the packaging and loading onto the ships to ensure transportation safety.
Defective modules are immediately identified by our inspection mechanisms, sorted out and recycled (standard failure rate in the industry on average approx. 4%). Unfortunately, this strict handling is rarely carried out by many manufacturers.
We think 4% standard failure rate is 4% too much.
Sinovoltaics accompanies the modules up to and including the inspection of the packaging and loading onto the ships to ensure transportation safety.
Even before production begins, Sinovoltaics, an external testing laboratory, is consulted in order to guarantee the quality of SwissWatt One AG modules. This means that the production lines and machines are inspected for calibration errors before production starts and readjusted if necessary.
Each module is checked for microcracks (electroluminescence test) before "baking".
An AI app is used to analyze the images in the "µm" (0.001mm) range to detect any faults. Once the module has been completed, this test is carried out again to ensure with absolute certainty that all modules are in perfect condition.
An AI app is used to analyze the images in the "µm" (0.001mm) range to detect any faults. Once the module has been completed, this test is carried out again to ensure with absolute certainty that all modules are in perfect condition.
Sinovoltaics checks whether the materials listed on the BOM (bill of materials) also correspond to the
CDF (product data of the raw materials). This means that the raw materials are carefully examined for origin and manufacturer.
Strictest controls of the suppliers of our raw materials, ensure that our products are free from forced labor.
Strictest controls of the suppliers of our raw materials, ensure that our products are free from forced labor.
Electroluminescence is a quality assurance method for photovoltaic systems. It enables solar modules to be examined in order to assess their state of health.
In electroluminescence (EL), each solar module is energized in reverse to generate invisible electromagnetic radiation in the near-infrared range. Special cameras record this radiation and create EL images of the modules.
The EL method is used to analyze faults in solar modules. It allows inspectors to identify even the smallest defective areas in the modules.
Testing and research of PV modules
Our teams are already testing and researching the perovskite tandem cell. The biggest problem, however, is that there are still no long-term studies that accurately determine the lifespan of perovskite tandem solar cells. Some researchers believe that perovskite tandem solar cells could have a similar lifespan to conventional silicon solar cells.
Researchers at the Swiss Center for Electronics and Microtechnology (CSEM) and the École polytechnique fédérale de Lausanne (EPFL) have achieved an efficiency of 31.25 percent in a perovskite-silicon tandem cell measuring one square centimetre. This is a world record for a photovoltaic cell of this type. The efficiencies have been certified by the National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL) of the US Department of Energy.
As SwissWatt One AG, we on the Board of Directors have agreed not to launch modules with a guaranteed service life of 30 years on the market with a new technology where we cannot be 100% sure that the complete module will last this long.
Although there are apparently already a few providers waiting in the wings, the cost-benefit calculation is simply too uncertain and subject to too many variables. We are following the research work of the Swiss Center for Electronics and Microtechnology (CSEM) and the École polytechnique fédérale de Lausanne (EPFL) with great interest and are in constant contact with the innovations in this field of research.
Researchers at the Swiss Center for Electronics and Microtechnology (CSEM) and the École polytechnique fédérale de Lausanne (EPFL) have achieved an efficiency of 31.25 percent in a perovskite-silicon tandem cell measuring one square centimetre. This is a world record for a photovoltaic cell of this type. The efficiencies have been certified by the National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL) of the US Department of Energy.
As SwissWatt One AG, we on the Board of Directors have agreed not to launch modules with a guaranteed service life of 30 years on the market with a new technology where we cannot be 100% sure that the complete module will last this long.
Although there are apparently already a few providers waiting in the wings, the cost-benefit calculation is simply too uncertain and subject to too many variables. We are following the research work of the Swiss Center for Electronics and Microtechnology (CSEM) and the École polytechnique fédérale de Lausanne (EPFL) with great interest and are in constant contact with the innovations in this field of research.
A perovskite tandem solar cell is a new type of solar cell that combines traditional silicon with modern perovskite materials. The structure of a perovskite solar cell is similar to that of dye solar cells, in which - in contrast to silicon wafer and thin-film solar cells - the three basic steps of power generation take place separately in different materials.
The perovskite tandem solar cells consist of organic and inorganic materials. The perovskite absorber material has a complex crystal structure and consists partly of organic components. The organic semiconductors are used for the ultraviolet and visible part of the light, while the perovskite is used for the near infrared range.
Perovskite tandem solar cells therefore consist of two solar cells stacked on top of each other (tandem cells), each made of different materials. The upper cell is made of perovskite materials, while the lower cell is made of silicon. The perovskite cell absorbs the short-wave light, while the silicon cell absorbs the long-wave light. By combining the two cells, a higher efficiency can be achieved than with conventional solar cells.
The perovskite tandem solar cells consist of organic and inorganic materials. The perovskite absorber material has a complex crystal structure and consists partly of organic components. The organic semiconductors are used for the ultraviolet and visible part of the light, while the perovskite is used for the near infrared range.
Perovskite tandem solar cells therefore consist of two solar cells stacked on top of each other (tandem cells), each made of different materials. The upper cell is made of perovskite materials, while the lower cell is made of silicon. The perovskite cell absorbs the short-wave light, while the silicon cell absorbs the long-wave light. By combining the two cells, a higher efficiency can be achieved than with conventional solar cells.
No, SwissWatt One AG does not conduct any research or production planning on the so-called back-contacted cell technology, as SunPower / Maxeon has secured patent rights for years as a pioneer of this technology.
Several lawsuits are currently pending by SunPower / Maxeon against manufacturers who produce and sell these so-called back contact cells / modules.
We consider the patent rights and intellectual property of others to be one of our greatest assets. A reproduction of the back-contact cell would therefore be illegal and an affront to a highly respected competitor.
Several lawsuits are currently pending by SunPower / Maxeon against manufacturers who produce and sell these so-called back contact cells / modules.
We consider the patent rights and intellectual property of others to be one of our greatest assets. A reproduction of the back-contact cell would therefore be illegal and an affront to a highly respected competitor.
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