Substructure Reflector for Bifacial Solar Module Efficiency
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing solar module systems with bifacial solar cells struggle to achieve high efficiency across different roof colors due to the complexity and cost of integrating reflectors, and they often lack effective rear ventilation and light utilization.
Innovation Solution
A substructure with frame mounts and a reflector mounted between the frame brackets on a support frame allows for efficient light reflection onto bifacial solar cells, while maintaining rear ventilation and being cost-effective, using commercially available solar modules without the need for special reflector-integrated modules.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of energy
If a reflector is integrated into the frame of the solar module, then light reflection efficiency is improved, but manufacturing complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The reflector is separated from the solar module and placed in the substructure, dividing the system into independent components. This allows the solar module to be manufactured separately without integrating the reflector, reducing manufacturing complexity while maintaining light reflection functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The substructure acts as an intermediary between the solar module and the mounting surface, housing the reflector in a space between the module and support frame. This mediator approach enables light reflection without requiring direct integration into the module itself.
2Productivity
If a reflector is integrated into the solar module, then electrical energy yield is improved, but production cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
By separating the reflector from the solar module and placing it in the substructure, the system maintains high electrical energy yield through effective light reflection while using commercially available solar modules, thereby reducing production costs.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention uses a standard solar module design without custom modifications, copying proven commercial designs. The enhanced functionality is achieved through the substructure rather than modifying the module itself, reducing production costs.
3Loss of energy
If the reflector is mounted close to the solar cells, then light reflection efficiency is improved, but rear ventilation is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The reflector is positioned in the vertical dimension between the solar module and support frame, utilizing the available space efficiently. This spatial arrangement allows close proximity for light reflection while maintaining adequate vertical clearance for rear ventilation airflow.
Solution Approach 2:
The substructure design provides localized optimization: the reflector is positioned close to the module where light reflection is needed, while simultaneously maintaining ventilation channels in the same local area. Different regions of the substructure serve different functions (reflection vs. ventilation).
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The solution enhances solar module efficiency by reflecting light onto the back of bifacial solar cells, maintaining module position and ventilation, and being cost-effective, regardless of roof color, without the complexity of integrated reflectors.
Implementation Method 1
a reflector (2) for reflecting light, which falls laterally past the solar cells (17) of the solar module (15) through the solar module (15) and onto the reflector (2), onto the back of the solar cells (17)
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to a substructure for a solar module, a solar system comprising at least one solar module and the substructure, as well as a method for assembling the solar module and a method for assembling the solar module system. The solar module has a module frame and a plurality of bifacial solar cells held in the module frame. The substructure has a support frame and brackets for the solar module arranged on the support frame. A key feature of the invention is that the substructure has a reflector mounted between the frame brackets on the support frame. The reflector can be easily mounted on the support frame before the solar module is installed and reflects light falling on the reflector onto the back of the solar cells.