During the 6th PV Performance Modelling Workshop – organized by Sandia National Laboratories and Fraunhofer ISE – the Photovoltaic Modules Group of Fraunhofer ISE presented a new tool to model the cell-to-module (CTM) gains and losses of a wafer-based solar module. SmartCalc.CTM is a software tool to precisely predict module power and efficiency under STC conditions based on cell properties, material properties and module design. The tool allows the evaluation of new module concepts or a changed bill of materials before prototyping. Detailed geometrical, optical and electrical effects become visible at a glance. SmartCalc.CTM generates a STC-datasheet. This module data combined with external non STC module performance data can be used for subsequent yield modelling. The CTM calculation method is being continuously developed at Fraunhofer ISE since 2008 and has been published several times. The Method has been validated in several projects with different industry partners since 2008. With SmartCalc.CTM Fraunhofer ISE is making available to the public a valuable tool for PV module development. New cell and module concepts such as interconnection techniques are continuously implemented into new versions of the software. For more Information about the tool and licensing please visit www.cell-to-module.com
Contributed by Matthieu Ebert, Fraunhofer ISE
About the author
Joshua S. Stein, PhD is a Distinguished Member of Technical Staff at Sandia National Laboratories.
