Bosch Solar Energy's thin-film product portfolio is to be supplemented in the medium-term by a micromorphous product with a frame. With its thermally toughened front glass panel, it has a mechanical strength of 2400 Pascal.

It weighs only 16 kg, and according to Bosch Solar Energy, “it is substantially lighter than conventional thin-film glass-glass laminates, which weigh around 25 kg.”

“Due to its special properties, this module type is highly suitable for steeply sloping roofs and roofs that do not face full south,” says Peter Schneidewind, the management board member of Bosch Solar Energy AG responsible for sales.

The solar PV module prototypes also include a crystalline solar module on the basis of black monocrystalline silicon solar cells. With a black anodised frame and black backing foil, this model has been given a completely monochromatic design to satisfy the strict demands made on appearance in special architectural settings, Bosch Solar Energy says.

Bosch Solar Energy is also unveiling its first monocrystalline "MWT rear-side contact cells" (metal wrap-through cells), developed together with ISE, the Fraunhofer institute for solar energy in Freiburg, Germany.

In this cell, which is integrated in a high-performance panel, the front bus bars have been shifted to the back of the panel. This means that the areas of the solar cell that were hitherto ‘shaded’ are now available for converting sunlight into electrical power, and the solar cells’ efficiency is thereby enhanced.

“We are quite proud of this successful project work. After all, no other company has so far been able to implement the MWT cell concept with monocrystalline wafers,” says Dr. Hans-Joachim Krokoszinski, Head of Engineering Crystalline Cells, describing the first results of development in the field of MWT rear-side contacts. Work has now started on the final project phase, in which the contact structure and process parameters will be optimised.