Module Efficiency

Module design and the selection of module materials define the CTM, power/efficiency, reliability and cost.
© Fraunhofer ISE
Module design and the selection of module materials define the CTM, power/efficiency, reliability and cost.
Illustration of optical factors in CTM-analysis.
© Fraunhofer ISE
Illustration of optical factors in CTM-analysis.
Calculation of 15 loss and gain factors based on material properties and module setup
© Fraunhofer ISE
Calculation of 15 loss and gain factors based on material properties and module setup

Solar cells usually suffer from losses when integrated into a module. Optical, geometrical and electrical effects interact and result in a cell-to-module (CTM) ratio in terms of power and efficiency. We analyze the effects down to the material level and assess the potential for optimization. Our ambition is to maximize the CTM-ratio for a variety of module designs by using a detailed and proven procedure of specific measurements and validated simulation models.

  • Systematic Cell-to-Module analysis of common and novel module designs
  • SmartCalc.CTM: Software tool for CTM-optimization
  • Material characterization
  • Shingle, full- and half-cell module optimization
  • Dimensioning of ribbons and interconnectors
  • Multiphysics modeling of optics, mechanics and electrics by raytracing and FEM
  • Angular and spectral irradiance measurements
  • Manufacturing of module prototypes and process development

Latest Press Releases

 

News - 16.04.2018

New Production Concept for Building-integrated Solar Modules Drastically Reduces Costs

Building-integrated photovoltaics (BIPV) places high demands on solar PV module design. The aesthetics and freedom of design are just as important as the module efficiency, and in manufacturing today, a conflict often exists between individualized sophisticated design, high module efficiency and low costs.

 

News - 17.11.2017

Free Demo Version of Analysis Software SmartCalc.CTM Available

The software SmartCalc.CTM, developed by Fraunhofer ISE to efficiently optimize photovoltaic modules, is now available as a free demo version. The software analyzes the cell-to-module losses (CTM) based on the material parameters and measurement data.