Scalable shade tolerant modules. SSTM
report
Photovoltaic (PV) modules are mainly available in one standard size , which means that full roof coverage of PV modules asks for expensive tailor-made modules. Besides that, the interconnection between the cells in a standard module is very sensitive to partial shade on the module, where a small shadow can already result in a substantial drop of the produced power. E.g. when 1% of module area is shaded, the resulting drop in power can be as high as 33%. Both issues hamper further rapid growth of PV in the built environment.
The project aim was to determine the feasibility of scalable, shade tolerant modules based on the criteria of manufacturability, industrialization, lifetime and LCOE. The project thereby contributes to the PV program line, especially by lowering the LCOE of modules applied under non-optimal circumstances and thereby opening up new application possibilities.
ECN and Utrecht University have developed the TESSERA (prototyping) and SMART (proof-of-concept) module technologies. Industrial partners are involved to industrialize and market the technologies, focussing on specific parts of the development. Rimas and Optixolar cooperate with Rofin and Eurotron to optimize cell cutting and handling of mini-cells. Solned develops flexible patterned backsheets for the MWT TESSERA module designs and collaborates with Expice to integrate diodes. Heliox develops micro-inverters matching the designed modules. Exasun is involved to determine manufacturability and market readiness / system integration of the modules.
Besides a benchmark report on currently available technologies on system and module level, two concepts have been developed, resulting in a lab-tested proof-of-concept of a SMART module and prototyping and field testing of a TESSERA system. For the TESSERA system manufacturing methods such as cell cutting, diode integration in backsheets, and specific micro-inverters were investigated, showing that the concept is very interesting with respect to shade tolerance, but still needs improvements in the manufacturability
The project aim was to determine the feasibility of scalable, shade tolerant modules based on the criteria of manufacturability, industrialization, lifetime and LCOE. The project thereby contributes to the PV program line, especially by lowering the LCOE of modules applied under non-optimal circumstances and thereby opening up new application possibilities.
ECN and Utrecht University have developed the TESSERA (prototyping) and SMART (proof-of-concept) module technologies. Industrial partners are involved to industrialize and market the technologies, focussing on specific parts of the development. Rimas and Optixolar cooperate with Rofin and Eurotron to optimize cell cutting and handling of mini-cells. Solned develops flexible patterned backsheets for the MWT TESSERA module designs and collaborates with Expice to integrate diodes. Heliox develops micro-inverters matching the designed modules. Exasun is involved to determine manufacturability and market readiness / system integration of the modules.
Besides a benchmark report on currently available technologies on system and module level, two concepts have been developed, resulting in a lab-tested proof-of-concept of a SMART module and prototyping and field testing of a TESSERA system. For the TESSERA system manufacturing methods such as cell cutting, diode integration in backsheets, and specific micro-inverters were investigated, showing that the concept is very interesting with respect to shade tolerance, but still needs improvements in the manufacturability
Topics
TNO Identifier
870191
Publisher
TNO
Collation
32 p.