LIMES

There is a global drive to lower the cost of solar generated electricity. The cost per watt peak (€/Wp) can be reduced by increasing PV efficiency, reducing cost of Balance of the System (BOS) and minimizing the module costs. Module assembly is material extensive and constitutes a significant part of the price. Currently, 3mm glass is the usual predominant cover of solar modules and it implies 30% of the price. Reduction of encapsulant materials can help to minimize the foot print of the solar panel by minimized cost over the whole chain from raw materials to installation. The aim of the project is to exploit the development of 1mm toughened glass as encapsulant to produce a light weight, low cost PV module with enhanced efficiency. To be able to reach that goal, we have constituted a consortium including necessary expertise. In the project glass materials with various properties will be developed, the toughening and treatment of thin glass will be investigated, new coatings to improve the glass materials physical properties will be developed and prototypes will be assembled. Three slogans have been defined to explain the aim of the project that also connects with the project acronym LIMES.

- “Towards ultrathin glass-glass modules”
- “Towards eliminating the transmission limit of solar glasses"
- “Towards ultra-robust module designs with extended lifetime"

LIMES aims at promoting excellence in research and innovation in order to enhance the competitiveness of European industry and increase the energy produced by sustainable solar power in the future. Results and technological advances will be disseminated by publications, seminars, conferences and reports. The results in terms of prototypes are expected to lead to patents. The initial route to market is through demonstration of new off-grid PV modules and if successful proven case histories will be presented to the BIPV industry.