The presence of PV modules made with new technologies and materials is increasing in PV market, in special Thin Film Solar Modules (TFSM). They are ready to make a substantial contribution to the world's electricity generation. Although Si wafer-based cells account for the most of increase,...

We briefly summarize ethylene-vinyl acetate (EVA) reliability issues and report our R&D results. These results include EVA degradation effects, discoloration factors, approaches to mitigate the EVA discoloration, improved photostability of modified EVA formulations, and plans to identify the...

This article announces the availability of patented technology and production equipment for the manufacture of thin-film CdTe photovoltaic (PV) modules capable of providing utility scale power. It further discusses ongoing R&D, for the period 2000–2010, which will produce PV power at costs...

Presently, the world is considering renewable solar energy as an indispensable/long-term/nature-friendly option for power generation. The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (K.S.A) is blessed with considerable amount of solar radiation. Commercial/residential buildings in K.S.A. consume about 10–45% of...

The hope of a fast expansion of solar energy conversion by photovoltaics as a primary energy resource could be undeceived by the high production costs of PV modules The purpose of this work is firstly to discuss both technical and economical reasons yielding the present production cost levels of...

This paper introduces a theoretical analysis of the performance of photovoltaic modules under different meteorological conditions and design parameters. Based on the analysis, A FORTRAN computer sub-program has been constructed and connected to TRNSYS simulation program. The present sub-program...

Autonomous electric propulsion in boats by photovoltaic power is an upcoming technology which sets specific requirements to the integration of crystalline PV cells in boat surfaces, such as the deck. Light weight and flexibility of shape as well as endurance are required for successful...

Currently there are different methods to estimate the parameters necessary to model a PV cell or generator. The simplest ones are based on reducing the number of parameters, disregarding some of them or assigning an initial value. These methods use simple equations, often obtained empirically,...

For practical purposes it can be assumed that the power delivered by a photovoltaic generator that is connected to an MPPT is always maximal. When studying the behaviour of a PV generator working in this way, the most interesting aspect is the evolution of the point of maximum power. So, the...