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Renewable Energy Colored Films Enable Patterns on PV Modules

From Fraunhofer ISE | Translated by AI 2 min Reading Time

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Scientists at the Fraunhofer Institute for Solar Energy Systems ISE have succeeded in adding transparent cut-outs to colored films to create realistic-looking motifs on photovoltaic modules. Roof tiles, for example, can be imitated in this way. The film cut-out patterns use MorphoColor technology, an invention of the research institute, which creates a color impression without significantly impairing the efficiency of a PV module.

The foil cut patterns can be used to imitate roof tiles, for example, without significantly impairing the efficiency of the PV module.(Image: Fraunhofer ISE / Marco Ernst)
The foil cut patterns can be used to imitate roof tiles, for example, without significantly impairing the efficiency of the PV module.
(Image: Fraunhofer ISE / Marco Ernst)

"We can integrate color effects and complex patterns directly into solar modules and façade elements through targeted structuring and cut-outs on a coloring film," explains Marco Ernst, developer of the "ShadeCut" technology and scientist at Fraunhofer ISE. "There is also the option of adding further layers with cut-outs to create structures or other colors."

The technology can be applied to all standard photovoltaic and solar thermal modules; the desired pattern is cut into the films with MorphoColor coating using laser or CAD-controlled processes.

"The technology is interesting for modules for integration into façades, roof-integrated PV or even on railings; especially for listed buildings," says Dr. Martin Heinrich, Group Leader for Encapsulation and Integration of Photovoltaics at Fraunhofer ISE. "Modules with ShadeCut can look like brickwork or roof tiles and blend in perfectly with the color. It can also be used to customize PV systems, for example with logo lettering or patterns."

The MorphoColor technology for the color is inspired by the butterfly of the same name. The 3D photonic structures on the butterfly's wings allow an intense and angularly stable color impression through a fundamentally low-loss interference effect. Based on this biological model, a research team from Fraunhofer ISE has succeeded in applying a similar surface structure to the back of the cover glass of photovoltaic modules using a vacuum process.

Depending on the fine structure, cover glasses can be produced in different colors. The scientists have now also succeeded in doing this on film, as a flexible embedding film in modules or as a backsheet film. Independent measurements confirm that the colored PV modules with MorphoColor coating deliver around 95 percent of the output of a comparable uncoated module.

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