Bosch Solar Energy AG Debuts at European Photovoltaic Exhibition

Following its recent change in company name, Bosch Solar Energy AG, formerly ersol Solar Energy AG, will now be attending a major photovoltaics trade fair for the first time in its new Bosch look. It will present its high-efficiency crystalline and thin-film products at the fair.

Commenting on the current trade fair appearance in Hamburg Sept. 21 to 24, Holger von Hebel, chief executive of Bosch Solar Energy AG, said, “After the renaming and change of corporate design at the beginning of September, we will be appearing for the first time as a Bosch subsidiary in the appropriate corporate design.”

At EU PVSEC (European Photovoltaic Solar Energy Conference and Exhibition), Bosch Solar Energy AG will present three prototypes of new crystalline and thin-film modules. Bosch Solar Energy’s thin-film product portfolio is to be supplemented in the medium-term by a micromorphous product with a frame. With its thermally toughened front glass panel, it has a mechanical strength of 2400 pascal. Weighing in at only 16 kilograms, it is substantially lighter than conventional thin-film glass-glass laminates, which weigh around 25 kilograms.

A “low voltage concept” is also in preparation. This low voltage means less wiring work for installers.

“This concept takes account of our customers’ requirements, and we plan to have it ready for series production in the medium term. Due to its special properties, this module type is highly suitable for steeply sloping roofs and roofs that do not face full south,” said Peter Schneidewind, the management board member of Bosch Solar Energy AG responsible for sales. The new module prototypes also include a crystalline solar module on the basis of black monocrystalline silicon solar cells. With a black anodized frame and black backing foil, this model has been given a completely monochromatic design to satisfy the strict demands made on appearance in special architectural settings.

Bosch Solar Energy will also be unveiling its first monocrystalline “MWT rear-side contact cells” (metal wrap-through cells), developed together with ISE, the Fraunhofer institute for solar energy in Freiburg, Germany. In this cell, which is integrated in a high-performance panel, the front bus bars have been shifted to the back of the panel. This means that the areas of the solar cell that were hitherto “shaded” are now available for converting sunlight into electrical power, and the solar cells’ efficiency is enhanced.

“We are quite proud of this successful project work. After all, no other company has so far been able to implement the MWT cell concept with monocrystalline wafers,” says Dr. Hans-Joachim Krokoszinski, head of engineering crystalline cells. Work has now started on the final project phase, in which the contact structure and process parameters will be optimized.