Improved heat dissipation in a crystalline silicon PV module for better performance by using a highly thermal conducting backsheet

• The effects of highly thermal conducting backsheet were investigated.
• The effects were characterized by laminating single silicon solar cells.
• Highly thermal conducting backsheet improved the performance of solar cell.
• The performance of solar cell was improved due to increased open circuit voltage.

The temperature of a crystalline silicon photovoltaic module has a strong impact on the electrical performance of the module. The performance can be improved by reducing the temperature of the module. In this study, a highly thermal conducting backsheet was integrated to the mini module, consisting of one single crystalline silicon solar cell, to investigate the temperature and performance changes in the module. By applying a backsheet with graphite and aluminum film, it was found that the final temperature was decreased, compared to a solar cell with a reference backsheet. In addition, providing a suitable heat path for thermal dissipation in the frame of the module has an influence on the effectiveness of the highly thermal conducting backsheet.