Objectives

Project objectives

The investment cost for Solar PV installations relative to the electrical output of the modules is a major barrier for large-scale application of virtually all PV technologies. Therefore, module cost (Wp installed) should decrease, power output should increase and modularity, simplicity of installation, flexibility in utilization and system integration should improve.

SuMMiT combines and demonstrates three step-change innovations:
1. COSMOS PV module design, i.e. a large lightweight hybrid subassembly structure;
2. Highly efficient, long-lasting, top quality, single glass PV laminate;
3. Smart module power management.

The demonstration is twofold. First, the manufacturability of the novel PV module concept will be demonstrated. Second, the simplicity of installation and utilization, applicability, performance and durability will be validated in 5 to 6 field demonstrations. Together, this represents a breakthrough in PV module technology, i.e. top quality, durable PV modules with record power output, lowest installation cost, lowest PV system cost and lowest carbon footprint.

In the table below the features and overall scientific and technological objectives of the SUMMIT project are displayed:

Features and overall scientific and technological objectives of the SUMMIT project.JPG

a Prices based on a 100 kWp flat roof system in Northern Europe, excl. margin for installer. In Chapter 3: Impact, the effect of the major features in terms of value is explained.
b Current warranty for high-end PV modules is >90% output performance after 12 years and >80% output performance after 25 years. Warranty is an economical representation of the expected life time. Test methods for long-term service life assessment need to be developed and extensive experience in the field is to be acquired first, before module manufacturers are able to provide a meaningful 30 years warranty to customers.

SUMMiT represents the next and final stage before large scale production, market deployment and market replication.

Targets

SuMMiT has the following targets:

  1. To make the industry’s largest lightweight PV module at 1.98 x 1.64 m and industry’s largest-capacity standard PV module on the basis of 120 cells with an output of 550 – 600 watt-peak (Wp) per module;
  2. To demonstrate a Lightweight building integrated PV module based on the COSMOS module construction principles.
  3. To reduce installation costs and overall PV system costs of Solar PV (expressed in “Wp installed”) by 35% and 20%, respectively;
  4. To achieve a much more attractive module design, as well as enhance overall functionality of the PV module (e.g. smart module power management, PV-thermal configuration).
  5. To achieve PV modules with the lowest carbon footprint in the world (by reducing the carbon footprint by 40% compared to existing glass framed (aluminum) modules;
  6. To demonstrate the manufacturability for such largest lightweight PV modules in terms of throughput, yield, module cost, etc. (compare results with targeted specs);
  7. to demonstrate the suitability and performance (esthetical, installation-wise, operation-wise, cost of ownership) of the module systems in applications ranging from large power plants as well as distributed energy generation in agricultural, utilities/offices, small commercial and residential settings;
  8. To demonstrate the durability, sustainability and recyclability by testing according to the relevant standards (IEC 61215, IEC 61730 1 and 2, IEC 61701, IEC 60068 series, IEC 62716 and UL 1703), accelerated lifetime tests (UV testing according to Xe-arc WOM (ISO 4892-2) ) and LCA.

Events