Mosaic modules for improved design options in building integrated photovoltaic modules

The integration of photovoltaics in façades requires the development of new techniques for aesthetical and efficient photovoltaic module designs. Architectural demands cannot be satisfied with industrially available solar modules due to strict design limits [1, 2]. Industrial solar cells are usually square and available with an edge length of 156 mm. Cell interconnection of commercial solar modules requires strings of solar cells that strictly limit possible designs. Transparent areas or non-regular positioning of solar cells is only possible by cost intensive manual module assembly. We present a novel module concept to overcome design limitations by cell size and electrical interconnection that allows higher degrees of freedom. The module concept is based on an electrical conductive back sheet and back-contact solar cells.