BIPV Modules: Critical Requirements and Customization in Manufacturing

Photovoltaic (PV) modules predominantly are mass manufacturing products with narrow variability. For Building Integration of PV (BIPV) customers and architects demand for a wider product range, particularly in size and color. Additional requirements impose new challenges for development and manufacturing: esthetic quality and uniformity, mechanical strength, shading tolerance, fire safety and conformity with building regulations. We illustrate the interplay of various requirements in the development of CIGS thin film modules for façade integration focusing on color, shading tolerance, mechanical strength and application. Module design, quality control, supply chain and production need to be optimized in the transformation from a single product strategy to semi-customized production.