Thermomechanical design rules for photovoltaic modules

We present a set of thermomechanical design rules to support and accelerate future (PV) module developments. The are derived from comprehensive parameter sensitivity study different PV layers material properties by finite element method simulations. develop three dimensional (FEM) model, which models the geometry in detail busbar ribbons up frame including adhesive. FEM simulation covers soldering, lamination, mechanical load at various temperatures. model is validated tests on 60-cell modules. Here, for first time, stress within solar cell measured directly using sensors integrated cells (SenSoCells®). results show good accordance with reveals that there two critical interactions module: (1) between ribbon (2) front/back cover interconnected cells. encapsulant plays crucial role how single interact each other. Therefore, its essential, four regarding encapsulant. Also concern front back sides, address Finally, deal size frame, respectively. Altogether we derive 15 rules. As rule thumb well bill will work point view, introduce concept specific thermal expansion stiffness E ̂ α = · A j h $$ {\hat{E}}_{\alpha }=E\cdotp \alpha \cdotp {A}_{\mathrm{j}}\cdotp as product Young's modulus , coefficient joint area {A}_{\mathrm{j}} materials height . difference measure much strain one can induce another. strong means larger value