PV module

A circuit attached to a solar cell. The electronics are forced from the top layer of the cell through a one-way barrier or junction (depicted in red), at which point they are forced to return through a circuit.

Solar PV modules use the photovoltaic (PV) effect to generate electrical current upon exposure to light. When sufficient light hits a PV cell, current is generated which excites electrons that then pass through a one-way barrier or junction forcing them to flow through a circuit to return to their point of origin. These movement of these electrons can be used to to do work or power loads. There are many different technologies available and ways to design a system that can meet needs that range from simple lighting, to running appliances, pumping water or powering cities.

PV modules are composed of individual cells wired together in series with each one producing around.5V when exposed to sufficient light. PV modules come in serveral common configurations:

• A 36-cell module comprised of .5V cells will have a rated Vmp of around 18V.
• A 60-cell module comprised of .5V cells will have a rated Vmp of around 30V.
• A 72-cell module comprised of .5V cells will have a rated Vmp of around 36V.

Types

Left: 60-cell polycrystalline module with cell below. Right: 60-cell monocrystalline module with cell below.

There are many different chemstries that are used in PV cells, but there are two main categories of modules that are found on the market. Each type of solar module continues to have different characteristics that can be attractive depending upon the circumstances such as lower price or higher efficiency.

1. Crystalline silicon modules

   The most common type of module on the market. These modules can come in poly or monocrystalline construction. The names are derived from the way that they are manufactured with monocrystalline cells being cut from a single crystal and polycrystalline cells being comprised of silicon from various crystals. Both types are are composed of a few simple materials (average by weight): 76% glass (panel surface), 10% polymer (encapsulant and backsheet foil), 8% aluminium (mostly the frame), 5% silicon (solar cells), 1% copper (interconnectors) and less than 0.1% silver (contact lines) and other metals (mostly tin and lead)

   • Monocrystalline modules are more expensive, but achieve higher average efficiencies around 17-20%.
   • Polycrystalline modules are less expensive and are less efficient with average efficiencies around 16-17%.

2. Thin film modules

   Thin film modules are built out by laying photovoltaic material in one or more layers on a supporting material such as glass, plastic, or metal. Thin film modules come in various types with Cadmium-Telluride (CdTe) Being the most common. CdTe modules contain far less aluminum and more glass than Crystalline silicon modules (average by weight): 97% glass (panel surface), ~3% polymer (junction boxes and sealant) and negligible amounts of semiconductors and metals. Thin film modules are far less efficient than crystalline silicon modules at around 9% efficiency, but significantly cheaper.

Characteristics

Typical specifications label found on the back of a solar module.

Solar modules are rated in terms of Watts (W) under industry determined laboratory test conditions called Standard Test Conditions (STC). These conditions are:

• 1000W/m² of irradiance irradiance which is a measurement of sunlight intensity
• 25°C cell temperature
• An airmass of 1.5

A module is tested and rated based upon the following values which can be found printed on the module or in its specifications sheet:

• Open Circuit Voltage (Voc) – The voltage that the module will produce under STC when it is not connected to a circuit.
• Short Circuit Current (Isc) – The current that a module will produce under STC when it is short circuited or with its positive output directly connected to its negative.
• Maximum Power Voltage (Vmp) – The voltage that the module will produce when connected to a circuit under STC.
• Maximum Power Current (Imp) – The current that the module will produce when connected to a circuit under STC.

I-V curve of a PV module as irradiance decreases. Each 25% drop in irradiance accounts for roughly a 25% drop in current and production.

A diagram of the I-V curve of a PV module as the temperature fluctuates.

Solar modules will only produce their rated power at their Maximum Power Point, which is Vmp multiplied by Imp, under laboratory test conditions which are not very frequently reached in the real world. Cell temperatures will can quickly rise above 25°C when exposed to sun and 1000W/m² will only be achieved on a clear sunny day.

• Cell temperatures above 25°C decrease cell voltage and cell temperatures above 25°C increase cell voltage. If cell temperatures are below 25°C, it is possible for a to exceed the modules rated Open Circuit Voltage (Voc). Losses due to increased cell temperature greatly decrease solar cell production.
• Irradiance below 1000W/m² reduces cell current and irradiance above 1000W/m² increases cell current. Irradiance can increase beyond 1000W/m² under certain geographic and meteorlogical conditions. This value is constantly varying throughout the day.

Projected life

A well-made silicon solar module will continue functioning over 25 years, although all modules degrade with the passage of time. High-quality modules degrade at an average rate of .5% to 1% per year, whereas poorly made modules degrade even quicker. This is the primary difference between the different costs and qualities of modules.

Maintenance

There are no moving parts in solar PV modules and they are built out of durable materials. The only maintenance that is likely to ever be required a module is an occasionally cleaning if the module is in an area that lacks regular rainfall.

Recyclability

PV modules should be treated as electronic waste and should not be discarded with normal trash. The process for recycling a PV module consists of breaking it down into its main components and then sending them through the appropriate recycling streams. The majority of a crystalline silicon module can be recycled - an estimated 85%. In many areas where PV is being used to facilitate energy access, there are insufficient regulations and therefore a complete lack of a market and infrastructure to handle PV module waste.