THE OPTIMAL PV MODULE SIZE Nicholas Strevel THIN FILM SCALES • • • • FORM FACTOR IMPACTS Unit of process for CdTe is the glass; scaling benefit Unit of process for c-Si is the wafer; no scaling benefit Same manufacturing process as the previous technology Highest power utility-scale modules in the market ~2.47m2 module reduces variable BOS costs More Watts per install operation Site construction is faster; less modules to install Structural and labor components are reduced for $/W Module installs trials independently verified by 3rd party EPC Thin film cost scales non-linearly... COST LOWER Homerun Wiring Module Connections Mounting Hardware Module Labor Homerun Wiring Module Connections Mounting Hardware Module Labor Larger module size equals lower variable BOS Field Install Trials Normalized Rate Normalized Cost Exosun First Solar Series 6 Canadian Solar Modules No cost benefit from scaling c-Si Crystalline Silicon Batch Technology: Unit of process is the Wafer First Solar Series 6 Canadian Solar Modules Solar Cell Solar Module ~2m module height is common, proven to work on any structure Module is optimized for a comfortable two person lift The larger the module, the lower the variable BOS cost Structure design constraint is wind load, not module weight 1.23m width is independent of the loading profile Too small; BOS costs high Right size; 2 person lift, BOS lower Too large; 3+ person lift or lift assist STRINGS & HARNESSES • Series 6 has a shorter string length (6 modules for 1500VDC) • Harness lowers cost by: –– Creating a sub-collection point –– Effective increase of string length • Structural / Site Flexibility –– Harnesses can be designed optimally for site specific conditions. For example, a 7 string (in parallel) harness or a 5 string harness. • Smaller electrical ‘pixel’ allows optimized structures • Independently validated by Sgurr and Burns & McDonnell Typical 7 string harness (positive) Fequivalent OVER 168’ EFFECTIVE STRING LENGTH! Module Size Module Installation Efficiency