The new modules generate solar power efficiently and distribute the radiation very homogeneously under the modules. Thanks to the special design of the modules, the light intensity under the modules and also a defined shading can be adjusted.
The new semi-transparent solar modules consist, for example, of solar cells arranged in rows alternating with partially transparent, diffusely reflecting functional layers.
The developed functional layers not only guide the solar radiation under the modules, but also to the solar cells – similar to a light guide – and lead to a concentration effect there. This concentration effect can save between 10 and 15% on solar cells and conductor materials for the same electrical output. The functional layers used also have the advantage that they convert UV radiation into visible light and thus also increase the efficiency of the solar cells.
In AGRI-PV, the new modules have the advantage that they provide sufficient light under the modules and thus ensure efficient plant growth and crop yields. They also provide defined, controllable shading of the soil, lowering high soil temperatures and protecting the soil from drying out, late frosts and storms such as hailstorms.
The use of the new modules in the AGRI-PV enables the efficient dual use of agricultural land. Particularly in dry and hot countries, their use enables the temperatures under the modules to be lowered by at least 10 K to 15 K, thereby increasing yields by 2%/K.
The semi-transparent modules can also be used to advantage in building PV, greenhouses and PV floating systems (for a favourable ecosystem, light is also useful in water to promote photosynthesis).
SEMI-TRANS-SOLAR has already advanced the development of the new solar modules and has produced and measured a number of prototypes.
