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DOE OSTI · 1494794

Final Technical Report

Hartman, Katy·Fritzemeier, Les
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Abstract

Tessolar Inc. developed processes for, and evaluated the performance benefits associated with the implementation of improved materials for the construction of photovoltaic solar modules and mounting hardware. In particular, Tessolar evaluated the processing and manufacturability of modules produced using advanced encapsulant materials, electrically conductive adhesives, light capturing bussing ribbon, thin front glass and a fiber-reinforced composite module frame and mounting hardware. The results demonstrate an alternative approach to solar module fabrication with improved initial power and lower lifetime degradation rate compared to the state of the art. Most significantly, the use of composite materials enables mounting hardware that allows significantly faster solar module installation compared to the state of the art. The module assembly method is projected to be slightly more expensive on a $/W basis than currently available modules but will result in increased total energy output and lower LCOE. The composite mounting hardware can be produced more cheaply and offers significant savings in installed cost compared to the state of the art. Overall, the approach can offer lower levelized cost of energy compared to state of the art systems, leading to increased technology adoption rates and significant reductions in green house gas emissions.

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Hartman, Katy, Fritzemeier, Les. 2019-02-15. Final Technical Report. https://doi.org/10.2172/1494794

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