Mohammad Reza Mohammadiyan Asiabar - Master's degree, electrical engineering, Islamic Azad University, Karaj branch,

In several countries, building-integrated photovoltaics (PV) solutions could contribute to the growth of total installed PV capacity. However, in some circumstances, the relatively high weight (۱۰-۱۵ kg/m۲) and lack of aesthetics of PV may constitute a barrier to its diffusion. In this work, we propose a glass-free lightweight solution (≈۶ kg/m۲) compliant with hail and mechanical load tests as prescribed by the IEC ۶۱۲۱۵-۲:۲۰۱۶. The low weight is achieved by substituting the conventional glass cover with a polymer multi-layer resistant to hail impacts and the conventional polymer/glass back sheet by an innovative composite back sheet. A total of two module design contributions to impact resistance are highlighted: a global energy dissipation, mostly related to the back sheet properties; and a local energy dissipation, mainly related to the front sheet properties. These results clearly show that a balance between front sheet design and back sheet stiffness have to be found in order to maximize hail resistance and mechanical rigidity while minimizing the module's weight.

solar cells, complex module, lightweight.