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In the prototype module presented by Fraunhofer CSP, all components that are not directly used to convert light into electricity are made from biodegradable or recyclable materials or renewable raw materials. The module is the result of the E2 – E-Quadrat project, funded by the German Federal Ministry for Economic Affairs and Climate Action. By Petra Hannen .
The Fraunhofer Center for Silicon Photovoltaics (CSP) and Novo-Tech GmbH, a manufacturer of polymer-bonded wood-based materials for outdoor applications, have developed a solar panel that uses renewable raw materials and biodegradable or recyclable materials for all components that are not directly needed for the conversion of light into electricity.
According to Fraunhofer CSP, the 380 W panel was conceived as a “biomodule prototype” and is characterized by four special features.
The module frame has a high proportion of wood, which can be completely recycled and reused for module production. In addition, an electrically conductive adhesive with silver particles was used for the module cell connections.
The panel also included a backsheet made from a 30% recycled polyethylene terephthalate (PET) film. In addition, the ethylene vinyl acetate (EVA) film, used as a transparent plastic layer in the production of solar modules and as an encapsulation material for cells, is composed of 60% bio-based ethylene from sugar cane.
According to the project team, all installed components meet the latest module standards. To this end, the individual installed components were subjected to various tests, such as accelerated aging, heat, humidity and temperature variation.
In the future, the CO2 footprint of PV modules could therefore be improved by using renewable raw materials and recycling energy-intensive raw materials such as silicon cells. Furthermore, with evidence that biopolymers are also suitable for use in PV, the group believes they could be used for many other complex outdoor applications.
The module is the result of the E2 – E-Quadrat project, funded by the German Federal Ministry for Economic Affairs and Climate Action. |
