Development of 3D curved photovoltaic modules

Abstract

As a new target for the photovoltaic (PV) power generation, a vehicle-integrated PV is being promoted. Since the bodies of vehicles are composed of smooth curved surfaces from the viewpoint of aerodynamics and design, solar cells must be applied to curved surfaces. However, all the solar cells available today are flat, and the most popular Si solar cell is a brittle material that is easily broken. Since the vehicle body is not a two-dimensional shape with unidirectional bending like a cylindrical surface, but a three-dimensional shape like a spherical surface, a different development approach is required. This article introduces the bending tests of solar cells, mechanical stress analysis, prototyping and outdoor test of 3D curved surface modules.