As solar adoption accelerates across the Middle East, maximizing energy output under real-world conditions has become a key priority for project developers. A recent photovoltaic (PV) parking lot field test conducted in the region offers valuable insight into how advanced module technologies perform under challenging light conditions—particularly during early morning and late afternoon hours.
The field test compared JinkoSolar’s Tiger Neo modules with N-type Back Contact (BC) modules, focusing on energy yield, low-irradiance performance, and overall system efficiency. The results highlight the growing importance of next-generation N-type technologies in optimizing solar generation beyond peak sunlight hours.
Test Setup and Conditions
The trial was carried out in a solar carport (parking lot) environment, a setup increasingly popular across commercial and public infrastructure projects in the Middle East. Such installations often face partial shading, non-ideal tilt angles, and fluctuating irradiance—making them a reliable benchmark for real-world performance.
Both module types were installed side by side under identical environmental and system conditions. Performance data was collected over an extended period to ensure accurate comparison, with particular attention given to early morning and late evening production when irradiance levels are lower.
Performance Under Low Irradiance
One of the most notable outcomes of the test was the superior low-light performance of Jinko Tiger Neo modules. During early and late hours, when solar intensity is reduced, Tiger Neo demonstrated a maximum yield gain of up to 8.93% compared to N-type BC modules.
This performance advantage is largely attributed to Tiger Neo’s advanced N-type TOPCon cell architecture, which delivers lower degradation rates, reduced recombination losses, and improved carrier collection under weak light conditions.
Energy Yield and Efficiency Advantages
Beyond low-irradiance periods, the Tiger Neo modules also showed consistent energy yield stability throughout the day. Higher bifacial gain, optimized temperature coefficients, and enhanced light absorption contributed to stronger overall output, particularly in the high-temperature environments typical of the Middle East.
For parking lot and carport applications—where shading from vehicles and structural elements is common—these advantages translate into more reliable and predictable energy generation.
Implications for Solar Carport Projects
The findings from this field test underline the strategic value of module selection for distributed solar projects. In regions where daylight hours extend but irradiance fluctuates, technologies that can capture additional energy at the start and end of the day offer a meaningful boost to annual energy yield.
For developers and asset owners, an 8.93% gain under low-irradiance conditions can significantly improve project economics, shorten payback periods, and enhance long-term returns—especially for commercial and urban solar installations.
