Photovoltaic cell modules design

Photovoltaic (PV) Module An integrated assembly of interconnected photovoltaic cells designed to deliver a selected level of working voltage and current at its output terminals, packaged for protection against environment degradation and suited for incorporation in photovoltaic power systems. 

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Photovoltaic devices typically consist of a series of thin semiconductor layers that are designed to convert sunlight to dkect-current electricity (see Semiconductors). As long as the device is exposed to sunlight, a photovoltaic (PV) cell produces an electric current proportional to the amount of light it receives. The photovoltaic effect, first observed in 1839, did not see commercial appHcation until the 1950s when photovoltaic modules were used to power early space sateHites. Many good descriptions of the photovoltaic phenomenon are available (7). 

Thin-film solar shingles used on residential roofs today are only about 5 to 8% efficient. The efficiency of solar towers is also about 5%. Photovoltaic (PV) cell efficiencies range from about 5% for amorphous silicon (A-Si) designs, 9% to 10% for CdTe modules, and 13% to 16% for crystalline silicon modules. SEGS efficiencies are between 10 and 25%. 

Encapsulants are necessary for electrical Isolation of the photovoltaic circuit. They also provide mechanical protection for the solar cell wafers and corrosion protection for the metal contacts and circuit interconnect system over the 20-year design life of a photovoltaic array. The required components Include the solar cell circuit, the rigid or structural member, the pottant, and the outer cover/insulator. Surface modifications may be needed to develop strong, stable bonds at the Interfaces in the composite. If the module is to be framed, edge sealants may also be required. The functions of the Individual components and the performance requirements as they are now known are described. Costs are ccmipared where possible and candidate materials identified. 

The photovoltaic array is nothing but modules connected in series and parallel. The PV array for the SRFCs consists of several modules, which in turn consist of solar cells. The solar cells used in designing the present PV array are crystalline Si solar cells. The appropriate cell details are given in the Table 12.2. 

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