Double-glass photovoltaic modules in Hamburg Germany

Glass-glass PV modules (b) do not require an aluminum frame and therefore have a lower carbon footprint than PV modules with backsheet (a). Although photovoltaic modules convert sunlight into electricity without producing emissions, PV-generated solar energy does produce CO2 emissions during production, transport and at the end of module life.

"If I want to install a photovoltaic system in a European location with average irradiation values, I have a great influence on its climate friendliness with the choice of my PV modules," explains Dr. Holger Neuhaus, Head of Department for Module Technology at Fraunhofer ISE.

With an efficiency of 22.8 percent, the new solar module achieves maximum energy efficiency for cost-effective electricity. Jannik Schall, CPO and co-founder of 1KOMMA5°, explains: “With our new solar module, we achieve solar electricity generation costs from 5 cents per kilowatt hour over 30 years.

In the process, they also found that glass-glass modules enable an additional emissions reduction ranging between 7.5 to 12.5 percent compared to PV modules with backsheet films, regardless of their production location.

Two-sided double-glazed modules, symmetrical structural design, low risk of hidden cracks. Higher power output even under low irradiance environments like on cloudy or foggy days 3-fold IEC new standard tests passed, 15-year material warranty, and 30-year power warranty. Ideal for centralized projects.

Glass-glass modules also have a longer lifetime and lower annual degradation than modules with a film, which further improves their carbon footprint. In terms of kilowatt hours generated, frameless glass-glass modules produce 22 to 27 percent less CO2 emissions than glass-foil modules.