Stringer for Manufacturing Matrix Shingle Modules Goes into Series Production

The matrix shingle concept developed by the Fraunhofer Institute for Solar Energy Systems ISE arranges shingled solar cells offset from each other, like bricks in a masonry wall. As part of a research project funded by the German Federal Ministry for Economic Affairs and Climate Action, the company M10 Industries AG and the research institute Fraunhofer ISE have developed a stringer system for interconnecting such modules, which is now entering series production. Visitors to Intersolar Europe can view the matrix shingle modules manufactured on this system at the booths of Fraunhofer ISE (A1.540) and of M10 Solar Equipment GmbH (A3.260).

© M10/Zahoransky
Matrix shingle modules have a homogeneous appearance and are 2 to 6 percent (relative) more efficient than conventional half-cell modules with wire interconnections.

"Matrix shingle modules are predestined for integrated applications, especially in building facades and for all applications where maximum space utilization, shading tolerance and appealing aesthetics are important," says Achim Kraft,  head of the Interconnection Technologies group at Fraunhofer ISE. " , The PV modules can be manufactured in a wide range of possible colors by applying a so-called MorphoColor® coating. This allows them to blend nicely into walls or even to set aesthetic architectural accents. A terracotta-colored matrix photovoltaic module will be on display at Intersolar Europe 2022.

In just seven months of development, the project consortium, led by Fraunhofer ISE and M10 Industries AG, brought the production line for manufacturing matrix shingle solar modules to series maturity. The M10 Solar Equipment GmbH, a joint venture of M10 Industries AG and Zahoranksy AG, will now produce these modules on an industrial scale in Freiburg. 

The prototype of this stringer system is worldwide unique and is embedded into the research infrastructure of Fraunhofer ISE. Dr. Holger Neuhaus, head of the Module Technology department at Fraunhofer ISE, commented: "This stringer allows us to further advance the matrix technology developed at our facility and enables us to optimally support the industry in implementing the technology by developing and manufacturing prototype modules."

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