Abstract
Higher efficiency and output power of a photovoltaic (PV) module can be achieved by minimizing cell-to-module (CTM) power losses. CTM losses are mainly dependent on electrical and optical losses. In this work, reflection losses from interspacing of cells with respect to different encapsulant materials and backsheets are evaluated. Two novel encapsulant materials thermoplastic polyolefin (TPO) and polybutadiene ionomer are used, in addition to conventionally used ethylene vinyl acetate (EVA). Moreover, the effect of using these encapsulant materials separately with Tedlar and Aluminum foil as backsheets is realized. It has been observed that TPO in combination with Tedlar presents minimum reflection losses compared to other encapsulant materials. The reflection losses calculated experimentally with polybutadiene ionomer were 5.4% less than the conventionally used EVA, whereas, the reflection losses calculated experimentally with TPO were 5.9% less than the conventionally used EVA. The experimental results obtained are also validated through simulations.
Highlights
The cell-to-module (CTM) power ratio can be defined as the ratio of module power to cell power, multiplied by the total number of solar cells incorporated in the module
The first set was comprised of Tedlar as back sheet, while second set consisted of aluminum foil as back contact. It is quite evident from the figure that in case of Tedlar, ethylene vinyl acetate (EVA) has more inter spacing reflection losses than polybutadiene ionomer and thermoplastic polyolefin (TPO)
Along with the advantage of lower degradation rate, polybutadiene ionomer and TPO have fewer optical losses compared to traditionally used EVA
Summary
The cell-to-module (CTM) power ratio can be defined as the ratio of module power to cell power, multiplied by the total number of solar cells incorporated in the module. The polycrystalline solar cell efficiency recently launched in the market is about 21%, but when translated into its corresponding module, its efficiency decreases to 19% [1]. To maximize the efficiency of the photovoltaic (PV) module, it is vital to minimize CTM losses as much as possible. Apart from recombination, electrical and optical losses are the main factors that limit the performance of PV modules. Electrical losses are usually associated with the metal grid connections, while optical losses are caused by light reflection and absorption in the glass and encapsulant. Researchers are trying hard to mitigate these losses by optimizing the design of solar cells and modules. Different encapsulant materials and backsheets are being employed to reduce the reflection losses through interspaces between the cells [2,3,4,5]
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