The technological evolution of photovoltaic modules

The size of the cells

The cells of the photovoltaic modules used by manufacturers have now abandoned the classic size of 156 mm in favor of larger cells: the result is a greater power of the photovoltaic module (even 600-700 W) and greater efficiency.

In the design phase, the maximum current that the inverter must admit at the input must be taken into account, certainly greater than that of a traditional module.

The “overlapping” cells

Some leading companies in the production of photovoltaic modules have developed products with a particular technology for connecting the cells in series (called tiling or paving technology).

In practice, strips of cells are superimposed on each other for a small portion and welded with particular processes, thus obtaining the series of cells. The salient features are:

• less susceptibility to partial shading of photovoltaic panels;
• greater use of the module surface;
• greater resistance of the cell.

The transition to n-types

The most widespread technology among mono-crystalline cells is the p-type PERC, with a share of about 75%; also the n-type, always mono-crystalline, is seeing an important growth, with a share of about 14%, in continuous growth.

Many experts, using the indications of the manufacturers, estimate that between 2024 and 2027 the shift to n-type technology will take place to further increase the efficiency and power of photovoltaic modules.