Energy Yield of Back Contact Foil Based MWT Modules.

Abstract: The gain of Metal Wrap Through (MWT) cells and modules in comparison to standard modules has been extensively reported in the past. Most studies are limited to Standard Test Conditions (STC), and outdoor performance is not regarded. This paper studies the outdoor performance and energy yield of back contact foil based MWT modules in comparison to standard modules.A big advantage is the very low series resistance of the MWT modules; its influence on energy yield is simulated and compared to standard modules for different locations throughout Europe. It is shown that the gain at STC conditions is largely translated into a gain in the produced energy.The gain is confirmed by outdoor measurements on two locations in Europe. It is shown that the monthly performance ratios of the MWT and H-pattern modules do not differ and thus the gain at STC is a good measure for the eventual gain in energy yield. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]