15
PV modules
In this chapter we will discuss the most important issues concerning PV modules. Before
starting with the actual discussion, we have to introduce some important terms. Figure
15.1 (a) shows a crystalline silicon (c-Si) solar cell; these were discussed in Chapter 12. In
Sections 15.6 we will only consider modules made from c-Si solar cells. In a PV module
many solar cells are connected, as illustrated in Figure 15.1 (b). The names PV module
and solar module are often used interchangeably. As illustrated in Figure 15.1 (c), a solar
panel consists of several PV modules that are electrically connected and mounted on one
supporting structure. Finally, a PV array consists of several solar panels. An example of
such an array is shown in Fig. 15.1 d). This array consists of two strings of two solar
panels each, where string means that these panels are connected in series.
PV modules
In this chapter we will discuss the most important issues concerning PV modules. Before
starting with the actual discussion, we have to introduce some important terms. Figure
15.1 (a) shows a crystalline silicon (c-Si) solar cell; these were discussed in Chapter 12. In
Sections 15.6 we will only consider modules made from c-Si solar cells. In a PV module
many solar cells are connected, as illustrated in Figure 15.1 (b). The names PV module
and solar module are often used interchangeably. As illustrated in Figure 15.1 (c), a solar
panel consists of several PV modules that are electrically connected and mounted on one
supporting structure. Finally, a PV array consists of several solar panels. An example of
such an array is shown in Fig. 15.1 d). This array consists of two strings of two solar
panels each, where string means that these panels are connected in series.