Photovoltaic Module Technology

How to get the best out of solar cells, when aiming for efficiency, power, reliability, and cost? After decades of R&D focus on the cell, recently the module has entered the stage and demonstrated huge innovation potential.

Photovoltaic Module Technology provides unique insights into state-of-the-art materials, design strategies, manufacturing techniques, and characterization methods of wafer-based photovoltaic modules. Many properties of solar cells are highly relevant for module integration. They set the starting point for understanding the implications of different interconnection and encapsulation technologies. Module design and the choice of materials are described for both state-of-the-art and advanced module technology, with special attention attributed to the key processes of module assembly.

Harry Wirth, Fraunhofer ISE, Freiburg, Germany.