Photovoltaic modules – generate your own solar power
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The core of a photovoltaic system, or PV system for short, is the photovoltaic modules. These consist of a large number of solar cells. The photoelectric effect occurs in each individual cell, a process that converts sunlight into electrical energy. There are two different types of module – monocrystalline and polycrystalline. But how do they differ and which modules are suitable where?
Types, construction and function of photovoltaic modules
In principle, electricity is generated in a photovoltaic module (PV module) via the differently doped levels within the solar cell. This means that, whether the module is monocrystalline or polycrystalline, the silicon atoms exist in a stable crystal structure. Foreign atoms are added during the manufacture of solar cells, leading to the presence of free electrons in the upper layer. Experts refer to this as the n-doped layer. In contrast, there are too few electrons in the lower layer of the cell (p-doped layer) so we tend to talk of "positive charged holes".
In between is the boundary layer. The electrons move from the top to the bottom to find free spots –– the p-n junction. When sunlight then hits the photovoltaic module, the electrons move back to the now unsaturated atoms in the upper n-layer. There are metal contacts on the upper surface and on the back of the modules. The electrons are discharged via these contacts and fed into the circuit.
Mono and polycrystalline modules
The manufacture of photovoltaic modules is similar. The origin of both types is the silicon melt. In the monocrystalline version, however, single-crystal rods are drawn from the liquid silicon. This results in to a particularly smooth surface. By contrast, blocks are cast for polycrystalline modules. During hardening, rather non-uniform crystals are formed. They are then cut into slices.
But it is not only in their manufacture that they differ. The Vitovolt monocrystalline modules are all black and have an output of up to 325 Wp. By contrast, the polycrystalline models are dark blue and achieve outputs of up to 285 Wp. Wp stands for "Watt peak" and refers to the maximum power under test conditions.
Special features of Viessmann Vitovolt photovoltaic modules
Opting for Viessmann Vitovolt 300 models gives you the following benefits:
- High performance values
- Uncompromising quality
- Extensive product and output guarantees
- Positive power tolerance of up to 5 Wp in the delivered condition
- For detached houses and apartment buildings as well as for commercial and industrial buildings
- Optimal hotspot protection
- Strong low-light behaviour
- Films with excellent heat and ageing resistance
- Full aluminium frame
- High quality sealants with long lasting adhesion
Vitovolt packages: high-yield PV modules as part of a photovoltaic system
Viessmann photovoltaic technology offers you perfectly matched components consisting of photovoltaic modules, inverters and installation systems, as well as power storage units and heat pumps to increase self-consumption. Our high quality photovoltaic modules ensure economic efficiency and a long service life. Comprehensive services –– from engineering and sizing of the photovoltaic system through to delivery and servicing –– round off the photovoltaic range available from Viessmann's professional partners. Installing a photovoltaic system isn't rocket science. With fully assembled photovoltaic modules, you, too, could soon be enjoying power straight from your roof
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Use of PV modules for commercial and local authority buildings
The Vitovolt 300 product range consists of monocrystalline modules in a black design with an output of up to 285 Wp, and polycrystalline modules with 60 cells with an output of up to 270 Wp. These modules are particularly suitable for commercial and local authority use. The Vitovolt 300 photovoltaic modules are just as impressive as those for detached houses or apartment buildings thanks to their high performance values, high quality and extensive product and performance guarantees.
Product range: photovoltaic modules
Viessmann photovoltaic modules consist of either monocrystalline or polycrystalline silicon cells and achieve module efficiencies of up to 17.5 percent. They are also characterised by their high mechanical load bearing capacity under snow and wind loads. They are designed to last for decades, which is backed up by a performance guarantee of up to 25 years. Thanks to their simple operating principle, Viessmann photovoltaic systems are completely reliable. Whatever the situation, they offer the ideal solution for self-consumption and export to the grid.
