Abstract: A method is provided for calculating a performance of a photovoltaic module comprising at least a first photovoltaic cell and a second photovoltaic cell. The method comprises calculating a heat flow between the first photovoltaic cell and the second photovoltaic cell using a first thermal equivalent circuit of the first photovoltaic cell and a second thermal equivalent circuit of the second photovoltaic cell, wherein at least one node of the first thermal equivalent circuit is connected to a corresponding node of the second thermal equivalent circuit by a thermal coupling resistance. The method may be used for calculating the influence of spatial and temporal variations in the operation conditions on the performance, such as the energy yield, of a photovoltaic module or a photovoltaic system.

Abstract: A method is provided for calculating a performance of a photovoltaic module comprising at least a first photovoltaic cell and a second photovoltaic cell. The method comprises calculating a heat flow between the first photovoltaic cell and the second photovoltaic cell using a first thermal equivalent circuit of the first photovoltaic cell and a second thermal equivalent circuit of the second photovoltaic cell, wherein at least one node of the first thermal equivalent circuit is connected to a corresponding node of the second thermal equivalent circuit by a thermal coupling resistance. The method may be used for calculating the influence of spatial and temporal variations in the operation conditions on the performance, such as the energy yield, of a photovoltaic module or a photovoltaic system.

Abstract: A method is disclosed for fabricating a photovoltaic cell comprising local back contacts. In one aspect, the method includes providing a silicon substrate, depositing a surface passivation layer at a rear side of the silicon substrate, forming delaminated regions or bubbles at an interface between the surface passivation layer and the silicon substrate, depositing a metal layer on the surface passivation layer, and performing a metal firing.