4.3.3 PV MODULES

Modules contain a number of photovoltaic cells which are joined together (usually by soldering) and sealed under a sheet of glass. They can be adapted in size to the proposed site, and quickly installed. They are robust, reliable and weatherproof. European research and demonstration projects have already provided performance data for 20-25 years of PV module operation without failure, and module producers now typically guarantee a life of 20-25 years on their products.

Figure 4.3 Module production by technology (Europe, 2002)

*'Undefined' means the technology type was not clarified; 'others' refers to technologies other than silicon based. Source: Ref 4.7

In Europe, PV module production remains based, predominantly, on crystalline silicon technologies, of which approximately 55 % is single-crystalline and 26 % is polycrystalline. Thin film PV products have still to make a significant impact on the PV power market.