Innovation and fabrication of 5.5 generation image‐patterned translucent photovoltaic module by using laser scribing technology

Abstract

The building‐integrated photovoltaic (PV) technology is one of the most promising applications for amorphous silicon (a‐Si) thin film solar cells. It is necessary to develop more various building‐integrated PV modules, which will provide architects and industries more options for the PV installation to their buildings or construction bodies. In this paper, a new type of a‐Si PV module, called image‐patterned translucent a‐Si PV module, is developed. Any required image can be displayed on the module by using laser processes. In the present result, a 5.5 generation (1100 × 1400 mm) image‐patterned translucent PV module with 10% transmittance exhibits the stabilized maximum power output (Pmax) of 92.5 W, which can be further improved by optimizing the laser parameters. The remarkable features of our module such as the image displaying, natural light transmission, and heat reduction create entirely new applications including windows and logos and provide an option that adds personal style and unique design to the building interiors. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

Geometrical design of thin film photovoltaic modules for improved shade tolerance and performance

“…From a practical standpoint, laser scribing is the most suitable technique for manufacturing of these non-conventional cell geometries. Laser scribing has been used extensively for thin film Si technologies [23], [24], and it is being actively developed for other polycrystalline TFPV technologies [5], [25], [26]. We think it should be possible to adapt them for the proposed nonrectangular cell geometries, possibly through a combined motion of the laser head and rotation of the platform carrying the module to create the non-rectangular shapes.…”

Effect of scanning speed on continuous wave laser scribing of metal thin films: theory and experiment

“…Laser ablation [1] and specifically scribing [2] have widespread applications in pioneering science [3][4][5][6][7], industry [8][9][10][11] and medicine [12][13][14][15][16][17]. Generally, this phenomenon could be investigated in both bulk and thin film materials.…”