Last updated: March 2026
The Schott Solar ASE-165-GT-FT is a 165-watt solar panel using Schott’s EFG (Edge-defined Film-fed Growth) ribbon silicon technology. Produced by ASE Americas (the predecessor entity to RWE Schott Solar) in Billerica, Massachusetts, these panels represent some of the earliest commercially-scaled thin-silicon-ribbon manufacturing in the US. They were widely used in commercial and utility installations from approximately 2000 to 2008.
ASE-165-GT-FT — Complete Specifications
Electrical Specifications (STC)
| Parameter | Value |
|---|---|
| Rated Power (Pmax) | 165W |
| Open Circuit Voltage (Voc) | 23.8V |
| Maximum Power Voltage (Vmp) | 19.2V |
| Short Circuit Current (Isc) | 9.50A |
| Maximum Power Current (Imp) | 8.59A |
| Module Efficiency | ~11.0% |
| Technology | EFG Ribbon Silicon (polycrystalline) |
Temperature Coefficients
| Parameter | Value |
|---|---|
| Temperature coefficient of Pmax | -0.46%/°C (approx) |
| Temperature coefficient of Voc | -0.34%/°C (approx) |
| NOCT | 48°C ±2°C |
Mechanical Specifications
| Parameter | Value |
|---|---|
| Dimensions (approx) | 1500 × 1000 × 46 mm |
| Weight | ~17.0 kg |
| Cell technology | EFG octagonal ribbon silicon |
| Frame | Anodised aluminium |
| Max system voltage | 600V DC |
About EFG Technology in This Panel
The ASE-165-GT-FT uses EFG silicon — wafers cut from octagonal silicon tubes grown by pulling molten silicon through a shaped die. The resulting cells have a characteristic slight greenish or irregular grain appearance distinct from standard cast polycrystalline. EFG cells share polycrystalline’s efficiency limitations (~11–12% for this era) but with lower silicon material waste than ingot-and-saw manufacturing.
The low Voc (23.8V) and high Isc (~9.5A) are characteristic of this panel’s cell configuration — it is NOT compatible with standard 60-cell residential panels in the same string. Use only with other ASE-165-GT-FT panels or add power optimizers for any mixed-string configuration.
Expected Performance in 2026
ASE-165-GT-FT panels are now approximately 18–26 years old. At 0.5%/year degradation from original 165W: 22-year-old panels should produce approximately 147W (89% of original). Many documented cases of EFG panels from ASE/Schott performing close to or above these estimates, reflecting robust manufacturing quality.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Schott ASE-165-GT-FT specification?
165W EFG ribbon silicon panel: Voc 23.8V, Vmp 19.2V, Isc 9.50A, Imp 8.59A, efficiency ~11%. Non-standard electrical configuration — incompatible with standard 60-cell panels in the same string. Manufactured by ASE Americas (later RWE Schott Solar) in Billerica, MA, USA. Used primarily in commercial installations 2000–2008.
