Oslo multicrystalline photovoltaic module glass

Glass-glass PV modules (b) do not require an aluminum frame and therefore have a lower carbon footprint than PV modules with backsheet (a). Although photovoltaic modules convert sunlight into electricity without producing emissions, PV-generated solar energy does produce CO2 emissions during production, transport and at the end of module life.

Crystalline silicon solar cells are connected together and then laminated under toughened or heat strengthened, high transmittance glass to produce reliable, weather resistant photovoltaic modules. The glass type that can be used for this technology is a low iron float glass such as Pilkington Optiwhite™.

Crystalline silicon photovoltaics is the most widely used photovoltaic technology. Crystalline silicon photovoltaics are modules built using crystalline silicon solar cells (c-Si). These have high efficiency, making crystalline silicon photovoltaics an interesting technology where space is at a premium.

"If I want to install a photovoltaic system in a European location with average irradiation values, I have a great influence on its climate friendliness with the choice of my PV modules," explains Dr. Holger Neuhaus, Head of Department for Module Technology at Fraunhofer ISE.

Crystalline silicon is needed in large and ever-increasing amounts, in particular for photovoltaic (PV) energy conversion. Efficient thin-film absorbers, for example, based on abundant and stable compound semiconductors, were considered to reduce material consumption.

Glass-glass modules also have a longer lifetime and lower annual degradation than modules with a film, which further improves their carbon footprint. In terms of kilowatt hours generated, frameless glass-glass modules produce 22 to 27 percent less CO2 emissions than glass-foil modules.