TECHNOLOGY MATTERS.
In photovoltaics, we distinguish between two basic module technologies – crystalline and thin film.
Crystalline technology
Crystalline solar modules (mono or polycrystalline) are made by cutting
wafer-thin slices of silicon crystal, known as wafers, and fitting them
with contacts. The manufacturing technology is relatively expensive.
However, the efficiency is currently higher than that of thin film
modules of equivalent area.
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Thin film technology
Thin film modules are made by depositing or vapor coating high purity
semiconducting materials such as a-Si, CdTe, CIS, CIGS onto a
substrate and then applying contacts. It takes much less energy and
fewer raw materials to manufacture thin film modules, which makes them
more environmentally friendly and cheaper to produce than crystalline
modules. Other benefits of thin film technology are greater energy
yields both at high temperatures and under diffuse light conditions. By
exploiting potential efficiencies in the production process, continuing
to improve the efficiency of existing technologies, and exploring new
technological approaches, thin film technology is becoming increasingly
competitive.
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Efficiency – cost is related to output
The cost of a solar power plant is not directly related to its surface area, but rather to the installed output in kilowatt-peak (kWp). The peak output of the installed solar module is expressed in kilowatt-peak. Peak output depends on the solar radiation and on the alignment and inclination angle of the system. In our latitudes, it is usually achieved at midday during the summer months and under clear skies. However, solar modules still produce electricity in the winter months or when the skies are cloudy. Because of the different efficiencies of the two technologies, thin film modules need a slightly larger surface area to produce the same output as crystalline modules. This is only of concern to owners or investors in cases when the available space is limited, or where space is a cost factor. Thin film modules require a comparatively smaller investment per kWp.
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Module types – Technology in pictures
Our company film shows you which technology is behind which module type. (0:38 min.)
What the two technologies have in common
Common to both techniques is the fact that the individual cells have to be connected in series to turn them into functional systems. The individual wafers in crystalline solar modules are soldered together, whilst connecting the cells together is integral to the thin film module production process. Here, the individual elements are connected by separating the individual layers into strips in between the individual coating stages, normally with a laser. As with conventional crystalline technology, the modules are then assembled into a complete module with the addition of a cover or rear glass plate.
