Superior Energy Yields of UNI-SOLAR~(~R) Triple Junction Thin Film Silicon Solar Cells compared to Crystalline Silicon Solar Cells under Real Outdoor Conditions in Western Europe

摘要

For many years, amorphous silicon photovoltaic modules have had difficulties to establish themselves in the grid-connected PV-market. Causes for this lack of market acceptance of first generation amorphous silicon PV modules were their relatively low conversion efficiencies, unstable power and not well understood outdoor characteristics. Various manu facturers of amorphous silicon modules have resolved these initial problems by enhancing the efficiencies of their cells, while at the same time improving the long-term stability of the products. Still, the outdoor behaviour of amorphous silicon modules is not well understood by many users, even by insiders of the PV-community. Results of this study will show that new gen eration multi-junction amorphous silicon modules, and in particular UNI-SOLAR~(~R) modules based on the Triple Junction solar cells, perform excellent under western European climatic conditions, with yields and performance ratios significantly higher than all present crystalline silicon technologies. This effect is especially pronounced under low light conditions and under non-ideal orientations. The enhanced outdoor performance, up to 20% higher on a yearly kWh/kWp base, can be attributed to the higher sensitivity for low light conditions and for diffuse light, better performance at high temperatures and improved shadow tolerance of UNI-SOLAR~(~R) modules.