Module efficiency increase by colored cell connectors

Proenneke, Liv; Reuter, M.; Glaeser, Gerda C.; Werner, J.H.

doi:10.1109/pvsc.2010.5617039

Cited by 3 publications

(2 citation statements)

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“…1(c) depicts that fluorescent paint on top of white paint also distributes the incoming photons approximately Lambertian. Additionally, the fluorescent paint shifts absorbed photons with an energy E 1 to a lower energy range E 2 < E 1 , where the cell's quantum efficiency is higher [14]. Rays not absorbed by the fluorescent paint hit white paint and are scattered like the rays in Fig.…”

Section: Decreasing the Optical Widthmentioning

confidence: 99%

Colored Ribbons Achieve +0.28%$_{\bf abs.}$ Efficiency Gain

Hamann

Prönneke

Werner

2012

IEEE J. Photovoltaics

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Flat metallic ribbons connect the solar cells in conventional crystalline silicon modules. Acting like a mirror, they reflect incoming radiation out of the module. The area covered by the ribbons (around 3.5%) is mainly lost for photovoltaic conversion. We present colored cell connectors which scatter incident irradiation. Due to subsequent total internal reflection at the glass/air interface, the photons get a second chance to reach the active module area. White ribbons increase the module efficiency from η = 14.7% by Δη = 0.28% ab s. to nearly 15%. Applying ultraviolet (UV) fluorescent dye on top of the white paint increases the quantum efficiency of lower wavelengths even further. Reduced optical losses allow a novel optimization of optical versus electrical losses. A simulation determines the optimum amount of white painted ribbons, balancing of the lower optical shadowing, and the higher series resistance of the module. The simulation predicts an efficiency gain Δη = 0.33% ab s. .

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Section: Decreasing the Optical Widthmentioning

confidence: 99%

Colored Ribbons Achieve +0.28%$_{\bf abs.}$ Efficiency Gain

Hamann

Prönneke

Werner

2012

IEEE J. Photovoltaics

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“…The design of solar cell interconnector ribbons is becoming increasingly important to solar module manufacturers. First, because they can deliver a significant increase in module performance by reducing optical losses and thus reduce the cost per watt [1][2][3][4][5][6][7]. Second, the cost attributed to interconnector ribbons is increasing relative to the other components due to the strong cost decline of wafers and cells [8].…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Impact of angular irradiance distributions on coupling gains and energy yield of cell interconnection designs in silicon solar modules in tracking and fixed systems

Haedrich¹

2021

J. Phys. D: Appl. Phys.

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Cell interconnector designs such as light redirecting films (LRFs) and various geometric ribbon layouts are all aimed at improving the performance of crystalline silicon solar modules. However, due to the usually specular reflecting surface, the angular-dependent module performance, which is typically quantified with an incidence angle modifier, depends on the rotation of the module. We find that typical power measurements under standard test conditions at 1000 W m−2 and 25 °C cell temperature are not suited to identify the best performing design in real-world conditions. In this work, we therefore determine the optimum ribbon geometry based on its simulated energy yield in common installation configurations for solar modules based on industry-standard full and half-cut solar cells. We compare the effects of planar, triangular, LRFs, pentagonal and wire ribbon geometries, as well as fixed optimal inclination, building-integrated (façade), and single-axis tracking installation scenarios of modules in portrait and landscape orientation. Energy yield gains of 1.8% can be achieved for full cell modules with LRFs or pentagonal ribbons in single-axis tracking installation compared to a reference module with five planar ribbons. Critically, we find that changing the module orientation to landscape reduces this energy yield gain by nearly 50% for the modules with LRFs. This directional dependence is significantly reduced with the pentagonal ribbon structure. The installation scenario can have a similarly dramatic impact. The expectation of power gains for certain designs inferred from standard test conditions may not only show significantly lower gains in annual energy yield, but may even lead to yield losses, especially for building-integrated photovoltaic systems. For a typical full-cell module, for example, we have found that LRFs perform 2.5% better than standard planar ribbons under standard test conditions but can result in a 0.2% lower annual yield in a façade installation. Therefore, to fully evaluate the effectiveness of a specific ribbon design, the annual energy yield must consider the angular irradiance distribution and weather conditions at a specific location, the installation scenario, and the module orientation.

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