PV Module Prototypes for Power Plants and Roof-Mounted Systems

Module-TEC des Fraunhofer ISE.
© Fraunhofer ISE / Foto: Falko Knizia
Module-TEC of the Fraunhofer ISE.
Herstellung eines Schindelstrings im Module-TEC des Fraunhofer ISE.
© Fraunhofer ISE
Production of a shingle string in the Module-TEC at Fraunhofer ISE.

Short innovation cycles require rapid design changes to PV modules. In order to operate successfully in the fast-growing and volatile markets for power plant and rooftop modules, it is necessary to always reflect the current state of the technology. Testing these efficiently and implementing the necessary verification processes in a time-effective manner is essential. 

Fraunhofer ISE has stood for quality and innovation for over 40 years. Through close cooperation with leading equipment and material manufacturers from the entire PV value chain, the Module Technology department has a broad spectrum of knowledge and experience from which you can benefit. 

Due to capacity bottlenecks, R&D and production often compete with each other on a day-to-day basis. We offer you the opportunity to outsource your R&D to us. We are happy to support you in developing and testing new material combinations and implementing them as prototypes or small series. You benefit from our experience and expertise in new processes and materials for the successful interconnection and encapsulation of new cell formats and technologies. 

Fast internal processes with accredited test laboratories enable the development of new modules and their certification to be carried out in parallel. This saves time and money in the development of new module concepts. The result is an early start to the planned series production.

R&D-Services

    Thanks to our unique infrastructure in Module-TEC's state-of-the-art production laboratory, a wide range of module sizes and designs can be realized at Fraunhofer ISE, whereby each module can be individually designed. Our team of scientists and engineers will accompany you from virtual analysis and joint design development to the construction of prototypes and small series and the evaluation of long-term stability. Thanks to a large selection of interconnection technologies and module materials (solar cells, glasses, encapsulation materials, backsheets, connectors, etc.), different structures can be realized in a short time. In addition, we offer machine days for string production and lamination as well as time-effective IEC certification in parallel with R&D services.

    Our R&D Services at a Glance:


    Module Design
    • Module structure depending on requirements (glass-glass, glass backsheet, edge sealing)
    • Layout design
    • FEM simulations for thermo-mechanical optimization (e.g. frame design)
    • Optimization with regard to CTM (cell-to-module losses)
    • LCS - sustainability and cost analysis

    Interconnection Technology

    • Wire connection for M6/M10/G12
    • Lead-free soldering
    • Shingle technology string and matrix
    • Conductive bonding with round wire

    Lamination

    • Plate-plate, plate-membrane
    • 3D lamination with curved glass
    • Autoclave

    Module Examination and Assessment

    • Electroluminescence
    • Performance measurements, IV parameters
    • Gel content, adhesive force
    • DMA / DSC / FTIR
    • UV, DH, TC, aTC, HF – climatic chamber tests

More Information on this Research Topic

 

GEPARD

High-Throughput Production System and Process Technology for Crystalline Silicon Solar Modules

 

Photovoltaik Modules

Module-TEC

Production and process technology and extensive analysis options for module technology

 

Field of Work

Interconnection
Technologies

Development of methods for connecting solar cells in order to increase the performance and service life of the modules.