A new and simple split series strings approach for adding bypass diodes in shingled cells modules to reduce shading loss. (15th May 2019)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Wen, Zhaodong; Chen, Jun; Cheng, Xian; Niu, Haiyan; Luo, Xuetao
• Is Part Of: Solar energy. Volume 184(2019)
• Page Start: 497
• Page End: 507
• Publication Date: 2019-05-15
• Subjects: Split strings -- Bypass diodes -- Shingled solar cells modules -- Shading loss; Solar energy -- Periodicals; Solar engines -- Periodicals; 621.47
• DOI: 10.1016/j.solener.2019.03.099
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0038-092X

Abstract

Highlights: Copper foil taps was proposed to split long cells strings (SSA-CFT). Adding bypass diodes in the shingled cells modules reduces the shading loss. Tested curves declined critically as shading columns increasing vertically. Tested curves changed small as shading rows increasing horizontally. Abstract: Overlapping solar cells in shingled cells modules create series strings, making it difficult to connect bypass diodes across the modules. A new, simple split strings approach is proposed in this paper, where copper foil tapes are attached to the back of the cells. A module can be bridged by two bypass diodes with this approach, and the effects of shading area and orientation on the electrical performance of the module were investigated. The current-voltage and power-voltage curves of the module were measured in three different shading cases. It was found that the output performance declines critically as the shading area increases along the vertical direction. Moreover, the obtained results were compared with results from shaded modules without split strings in order to justify the benefits of the new split strings approach for reducing shading loss.