Solar modules

A solar panel or photovoltaic module consists of a number of interconnected solar cells, in which solar energy is converted into electric power. These cells are connected by so called solder strips. The cells are embedded in plastic and protected by a Glass disk, which is located on the sunward side. To protect the cells during transport and assembly the modules are surrounded by a aluminum frame. The most often used solar cells are monocrystalline or polycrystalline cells. The performance of a solar module depends on the size, the internal circuitry and the used solar cells. Characterizing values of a solar module are the current I_mpp, the voltage V_mpp and the power P_mpp. The abbreviation MPP stands for "Maximum Power Point" and indicates that the respective values given refer to the ideal operating point of the module in which the maximum power is delivered. The Sourcetronic solar-modules are available with power outputs ranging from 4w up to 300W and are made of either polycrystalline or mono-crystalline solar cells.