Rapid module component testing and quantification of performance gains

The development of new photovoltaic modules relies not only on the implementation of solar cells with higher performance but also on new module concepts such as an improved light management. This can be achieved by using optimized module components, i.e. back-sheets or connectors with special optical properties. Without changing much of the module design, a single modified component can lead to a performance gain when it causes additional light to reach the active cell region. A rapid test method is proposed which allows a quantitative estimate of the performance gain achieved by replacing one component by another. The method relies on special test structures making the setup of entire modules in the first product evaluation and development phase unnecessary. Hence, a fast and cost-efficient material screening can be implemented. As an example, it is shown, how this method can be applied to estimate the current gain due to optimized cell connectors and due to the back-sheet. In either case, it is found that the additional contribution to the total current is about 2%(rel).