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.