Ultra-Lightweight PV module design for Building Integrated Photovoltaics

Abstract

Most of the existing solutions for Building Integrated PV (BIPV) are based on conventional crystalline-Silicon (c-Si) module architectures (glass-glass or glass-backsheet) exhibiting a relatively high weight (12–20 kg/m2). We are working on the development of robust and reliable lightweight solutions with a weight target of 6 kg/m2. Using a composite sandwich architecture and high thermal conductivity materials, we show that it is possible to propose lightweight PV modules compliant with the IEe 61215 thermal cycling test. We further show that we are able to upscale the size of the devices from 2-cells up to 16-cell modules.