The Three Generations of Development of Photovoltaic Modules
Different types of photovoltaic (PV) modules have different performances, characteristics, and suitable application scenarios. Today, Hengyuantai will introduce the development of photovoltaic modules.
A photovoltaic module refers to the smallest indivisible solar cell assembly device that has encapsulation and internal connections and can independently provide direct current (DC) output. In addition to solar cells, a photovoltaic module also includes the cover glass, backsheet, encapsulant materials, frame, busbars, interconnects, and more. Among these, the encapsulation components and internal connections can cause optical and electrical losses (such as optical losses caused by the cover glass and encapsulant film, and electrical losses caused by the resistance of the interconnection components). Therefore, the conversion efficiency of a photovoltaic module is not equivalent to the conversion efficiency of the solar cells within it. Generally, the power output of a photovoltaic module is less than the total power of the solar cells it contains, and correspondingly, the overall conversion efficiency of the module is lower than that of the individual solar cells (except for high-efficiency modules).
First Generation: Silicon-based Photovoltaic Modules
This category mainly includes monocrystalline silicon, polycrystalline silicon, and amorphous silicon photovoltaic modules. These technologies are relatively mature and were among the first to be commercially applied, currently holding a significant market share. With improvements in material processing and module encapsulation technology, the photoelectric conversion efficiency of these modules continues to increase.
Second Generation: Diversified Compound Thin-Film Photovoltaic Modules
This category includes photovoltaic modules made of materials such as cadmium telluride (CdTe), gallium arsenide (GaAs), and copper indium gallium selenide (CIGS). These modules offer advantages such as lower material consumption, lower production energy consumption, higher photoelectric conversion efficiency, lighter weight, low degradation rates, and suitability for building-integrated photovoltaics (BIPV). These features make them a promising type of photovoltaic module in the industry.
Third Generation: New-Type Photovoltaic Modules
This category includes perovskite photovoltaic modules, dye-sensitized solar cells, quantum dot solar cells, and organic photovoltaic modules. They are characterized by low cost and simple manufacturing processes, with conversion efficiency continuously improving. These modules have substantial development potential and promising application prospects.