15.1
Figure 15.1: (a) A solar cell; (b) a PV module, (c) a solar panel; and (d) a PV array.
Series and parallel connections in PV
modules
If we make a solar module out of an ensemble of solar cells, we can connect the solar cells
in different ways. First, we can connect them in a series connection as shown in Figure
15.2 (a). In a series connection the voltages add up. For example, if the open circuit
voltage of one cell is equal to 0.6 V, a string of three cells will produce an open circuit
voltage of 1.8 V. For solar cells with a classical front metal grid, a series connection can be
established by connecting the busbars at the front side with the back contact of the
neighbouring cell, as illustrated in Figure 15.2 (b). For series-connected cells, the currents
do not add up. In contrast, the current of the whole string is determined by the cell that
Figure 15.1: (a) A solar cell; (b) a PV module, (c) a solar panel; and (d) a PV array.
Series and parallel connections in PV
modules
If we make a solar module out of an ensemble of solar cells, we can connect the solar cells
in different ways. First, we can connect them in a series connection as shown in Figure
15.2 (a). In a series connection the voltages add up. For example, if the open circuit
voltage of one cell is equal to 0.6 V, a string of three cells will produce an open circuit
voltage of 1.8 V. For solar cells with a classical front metal grid, a series connection can be
established by connecting the busbars at the front side with the back contact of the
neighbouring cell, as illustrated in Figure 15.2 (b). For series-connected cells, the currents
do not add up. In contrast, the current of the whole string is determined by the cell that