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Multifaceted Analyses of Four Different Prototype Lightweight Photovoltaic Modules of Novel Structure

Author

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  • Krzysztof Mik

    (Energy Conversion and Renewable Resources Research Centre Polish Academy of Sciences, The Szewalski Institute of Fluid-Flow Machinery Polish Academy of Sciences, Fiszera 14 Str., 80-231 Gdańsk, Poland)

  • Paweł Zawadzki

    (Energy Conversion and Renewable Resources Research Centre Polish Academy of Sciences, The Szewalski Institute of Fluid-Flow Machinery Polish Academy of Sciences, Fiszera 14 Str., 80-231 Gdańsk, Poland)

  • Jan Tarłowski

    (Xdisc S.A., Jagiellońska 82 Str., 03-301 Warsaw, Poland)

  • Marcin Bugaj

    (Faculty of Power and Aeronautical Engineering, Warsaw University of Technology, Nowowiejska 24 Str., 00-665 Warsaw, Poland)

  • Piotr Grygiel

    (Institute of Physics and Computer Science, Faculty of Applied Physics and Mathematics, Gdańsk University of Technology, G. Narutowicza 11/12 Str., 80-233 Gdańsk, Poland)

  • Sebastian Bykuć

    (Energy Conversion and Renewable Resources Research Centre Polish Academy of Sciences, The Szewalski Institute of Fluid-Flow Machinery Polish Academy of Sciences, Fiszera 14 Str., 80-231 Gdańsk, Poland)

Abstract

Dynamic growth of photovoltaic capacity in Poland encourages many entities to invest in photovoltaic systems. However, in the case of buildings with low roof-bearing capacity it can be problematic or even impossible to mount conventional PV modules due to their relatively high weight. Hence, the use of lightweight PV modules is a potential solution. In this paper four different prototype silicon lightweight modules of novel structure manufactured by the Xdisc S.A have been investigated in terms of their electrical and thermal features. The measurements showed that all prototypes have efficiency exceeding 19.5% and power in range of 214 to 242 Wp at standard test conditions. Their area density is about 3.5 kg/m 2 which is typical for lightweight modules. In turn, the Power-to-Weight Ratio exceeds 40 W/kg threshold and in one case reaches almost 58 W/kg. Thanks to the measurements, the prototypes could be modelled in PVsyst (PVsyst SA, Satigny, Switzerland). The performed simulations of an example PV system revealed that installations based on prototypes have comparable performance to a conventional installation. Nevertheless, at current prices they are less profitable than the standard system and it shows the need for future cost reductions in the manufacturing process. The proposed materials selection may be the starting point for search of inexpensive substitutes of these materials which still conserve modules high performance. A system based on the prototypes can still prove advantageous when simplicity and promptness outweigh higher initial costs.

Suggested Citation

  • Krzysztof Mik & Paweł Zawadzki & Jan Tarłowski & Marcin Bugaj & Piotr Grygiel & Sebastian Bykuć, 2021. "Multifaceted Analyses of Four Different Prototype Lightweight Photovoltaic Modules of Novel Structure," Energies, MDPI, vol. 14(8), pages 1-16, April.
  • Handle: RePEc:gam:jeners:v:14:y:2021:i:8:p:2239-:d:537777
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Ferroni, Ferruccio & Hopkirk, Robert J., 2016. "Energy Return on Energy Invested (ERoEI) for photovoltaic solar systems in regions of moderate insolation," Energy Policy, Elsevier, vol. 94(C), pages 336-344.
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    3. Kaldellis, John K. & Kapsali, Marina & Kavadias, Kosmas A., 2014. "Temperature and wind speed impact on the efficiency of PV installations. Experience obtained from outdoor measurements in Greece," Renewable Energy, Elsevier, vol. 66(C), pages 612-624.
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    1. Mik, Krzysztof & Zawadzki, Paweł & Tarłowski, Jan & Bykuć, Sebastian, 2022. "Assessment of prototype lightweight photovoltaic modules after over 1-year field test in Polish conditions," Renewable Energy, Elsevier, vol. 198(C), pages 1008-1020.

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