ersol Launches its Micromorph Thin Film Module Vega-T on the Market

July 31, 2009




With the start of series production, ersol Thin Film GmbH, a subsidiary of ersol Solar Energy AG (ersol), Erfurt, is launching its first micromorph thin-film module under the name Vega-T. Micromorph technology will enable initially an efficiency of approximately 8 percent. By comparison, the efficiency level that is achieved with amorphous thin-film modules is approximately 6 percent. In the next few years, an increase in the efficiency level of micromorph modules over 10 percent is planned. In the upcoming months production at ersol Thin Film will be converted completely from amorphous to micromorph modules.

Since January 2008, together with Schott Solar Thin Film GmbH, Jena, ersol has been engaged in joint pre-competitive development of the new micromorph thin-film technology. In contrast to the simple amorphous version, the micromorph thin-film modules have a double-layer structure consisting of an amorphous and a microcrystalline silicon layer. Due to their different structures the two layers absorb different wavelengths of the sunlight. Thus, a larger portion of the sun’s light spectrum is used, giving added performance on the same area compared to amorphous modules.

“The area-related system costs can at the same time be lowered with the higher level of efficiency. The introduction of micromorphous tandem technology thus represents an important step towards cutting PV electricity generation costs,” says Dr Christian Koitzsch, technical director of ersol Thin Film GmbH, stressing the benefits of the new panel. The new module also attracts with its homogenous appearance. In contrast to the dark brown amorphous modules, the black surface of micromorph modules appeals to consumers, who in addition to higher performance place special emphasis on aesthetics.

Vega-T has already been certified by TÜV. Test certificates IEC 61646 and IEC 61730 have been acquired. A future improvement is also planned. The Vega-T plus will be based on a toughened front glass.