Semi-flexible photovoltaic modules based on silicon HJT cells

Semi-flexible and lightweight photovoltaic modules based on silicon heterojunction solar cells interconnected by Smart Wire film-wire electrode have been developed. Reliability of such module design to environmental stress factors has been studied: damp heat and thermocycling tests as per GOST R 56980.2 (IEC 61215-2:2016) – 2020. It is shown that one of the main degradation mechanisms of the module characteristics under high temperature and humidity is the corrosion of the film-wire electrodes. Different wire coatings of the electrodes were tested for its climatic resistance. It has been established that wire with SnBiAg coating is more resistant to moisture than wire with InSn coating. The resistance of the semi-flexible modules to hot spot heating effects before and after hail impact cell damage has been investigated. The effectiveness of the Smart Wire contacting technology against hail impact has been shown and the necessity of controlling the number of series-connected solar cells to minimize the risks of critical local overheating in semi-flexible modules has been demonstrated.