Energy requirements and ways of saving energy in the production process of photovoltaic modules

The results of an investigation of energy requirements and ways of saving energy in the production process of photovoltaic modules are reported. The investigation was carried out as a process chain analysis. It contains a comprehensive collection of process step data, from the reduction of SiO₂ up to the completed module. Analysis and comparison results include conventional mono- and multicrystalline silicon modules as well as MIS-I modules and thin film solar cells based on amorphous silicon. The investigation includes model cases of an expanded production volume and its implications for energy requirements. Modifications of the production process in pursuit of the goal of improved cell efficiency need to be reviewed taking into account the accumulated energy requirements of the whole module. The data framework presented in the report provides a reliable, fast and flexible measure that enables researchers to meet this condition.