Energy

Smart PV modules

Next to solar cell technology and the generation of electricity, imec also works on the PV modules, looking to embed additional functionalities.

An example is an integrated miniaturized inverter – a component that converts DC to AC and that today is still bulky, expensive, and installed separately. Modules could also include local energy storage, helping to balance the electricity grid and allowing the optimization of the inverter design. And there could be integrated technology for maximum power point tracking, which could help overcome the negative effects of shadowing on the modules.

The goal of this R&D is to realize reconfigurable smart PV modules that would link up with the smart electricity grid of the future.