FlexMod

In order to avoid competition for space in the context of the desired expansion of PV capacity, building surfaces in particular should be used for PV systems. In addition to the use of suitable roof areas, it is urgently necessary to develop further building surfaces. In cities, facades offer great additional space potential that has not yet been tapped. For most building owners, this is only feasible if cost-effective PV modules with flexible shapes, flexible appearances, and variable mounting options become available in the future. These are not currently available.

In the FlexMod project, funded by the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF), production machines for the digitally controlled, automatic manufacture of innovative photovoltaic modules are being purchased and put into operation at ISFH-SolarTeC. These are, in particular, systems for cutting the required components into the desired shape, for interconnecting solar cells of different geometries, for encapsulating the solar cells, for designing the color appearance of the PV modules, and for automating the processes. As a positive contribution to the energy transition, the infrastructure established in the project will be used in future research projects to investigate the digitally optimized and controlled regional production of integrated PV modules with previously unknown degrees of freedom and a high degree of individualization in a network of various partners in Lower Saxony (“mass customization”).

The project is funded in accordance with the guidelines for the granting of subsidies to promote innovation by universities and research institutions, financed as part of the Union's response to the COVID-19 pandemic, and will be carried out between October 15, 2021, and March 31, 2023. The authors would like to express their gratitude for the support. The content of this information is the sole responsibility of the authors.