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Thomas Link, SI Module GmbH

Challenges for solar module makers toprocess bifacial solar modules

Agenda.

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1. SI Module - a short introduction2. Challenge for a module producer

SI Modules – a short introduction

• Our production plant is located in the Southwest of Germany, right in the heart ofour target markets Germany, Switzerland and France.

• Most of our key customers know us personally and have visited our plant to seehow their moduls are being produced.

• Face-to-Face contact to our customers is part of our philosophy

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Reliability through experience and competence

• More than 15 years of experience in PV-automation –all our know-how is in our modules

• Close cooperation with- Fraunhofer ISE research institute for solar energy Systems and- isc - international solar energy research center Konstanz

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High-end production technology for high end products

• State-of-the-art technology in our production process with a high level ofautomation for a maximum of flexibility

• Multiple visuals in the cell connecting process• String interconnection with advanced laser technology• 100% EL testing• Certified production facility

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Sustainability in everything we do

• „Local for locals“ – Most of the best components available can be sourced inGermany or even in the wider Freiburg area .

• We think local and act local – because we believe the paradigm shift in theenergy sector has to be based on a local level

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We are committed to high end quality

• Carefully selected components from first class suppliers – from cells topackaging.

• Close cooperation with our suppliers leads to a transparent productionprocess.

• Traceability of raw materials back to manufacturers batch

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Premium quality– for long term yields

• Continuous optimizing process– Prolonged warranty periods– Higher module capacity– Improved packaging for easier on-site handling

• Certified management system and continous inspection by TÜV• The result: Highest yields for decades

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Modules made in Freiburg / Germany

• SI-Classic; SI-Lucid Black; SI-Black: our Standard Modules up to 280 Wp• SI-Enduro: Glass-Glass Module• SI-Saphir: Design Glass – Glass Modules

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SI-Enduro

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- Framed Double-Glass module

- Up to 270Wp – monoface

- Up to 320 Wp - biface

- One of the lightest available

- 10-15% transparency

- In Germany licenced from DIBtas a laminated security glass product

- Maximum load up to 7200p

SI-Saphir

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- Frameless Double-Glass module

- Mono- and biface possible

- Particularly high cell spacing

- Up to 40% transparency

- Maximum load up to 7200p

- In Germany licenced from DIBtas a laminated security glass product

Intelligent PV-solutions

• Integration of Photovoltaic Systems into the private energy concept– Batterie systems help to maximise the grade of own cosumption of solar energy– Solarcarports with charging station for electric vehicles.

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Challenges to proceed a bifacial module:

Find a bifacial cell supplier Controle soldering process Redefine the ribbon cross-section area Controle laminating Process Find a correct Junction box Power-measurement

…

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Which Standard?

The real challenges are beside the production:

- Find applications for biface-modules

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Applications for bifacial modules

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Applications for bifacial modules

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Applications for bifacial modules

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The real challenges are beside the production:

- Find applications for biface-modules

- Design the modules to the applications

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Best case:only change cells of a existingstandard modulesee: SI-Enduro a double glassmodule.

(junction-box?)

Design new modulese.g. SI-Saphir

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The real challenges are beside the production:

- Find applications for biface-modules

- Design the modules to the applications

- to execute the checklist

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Check list:- Certification (IEC EN 61215 / 61730; DIBt..)- datasheet- Packaging- Mounting system available?- How to estimate the yield of the plants?

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Electrical Datas of theSanyo HIT Double

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To convince the customer

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- training for installer :in selling and building

- show compared field results- present a cost-effective product- Simulation software to estimate the yield of the

plants as easy as the standard modules

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Bifacial module

Carport at SI Module

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Bifacial module

Carport at SI Module

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Carport at SI Module

Bifacial Module22% gain

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Bifacial cells are a technical highlight with different challenges:

Bifacial modules are in need of explanations for the customer

The yield of the plants are difficult to estimate

Niche markets need high flexible solutions

To place the product - the hole supply chain has to cooparate

Freiburg | Germany

SI Module GmbHFertigung & VertriebBötzinger Strasse 21cD-79111 Freiburg

Telefon: +49 761 590 2690Fax: +49 761 590 269 69www.si-module.com 29© SI Module 2014

We present a bifacial SI-Saphir module .Please visit us at our booth in Munich.

We are ready to start.

Thank you for your attention

Freiburg | Germany

SI Module GmbHFertigung & VertriebBötzinger Strasse 21cD-79111 Freiburg

Telefon: +49 761 590 2690Fax: +49 761 590 269 69www.si-module.com 30© SI Module 2014