| Abstract: | The building‐integrated photovoltaic (PV) technology is one of the most promising applications for amorphous silicon (a‐Si) thin film solar cells. It is necessary to develop more various building‐integrated PV modules, which will provide architects and industries more options for the PV installation to their buildings or construction bodies. In this paper, a new type of a‐Si PV module, called image‐patterned translucent a‐Si PV module, is developed. Any required image can be displayed on the module by using laser processes. In the present result, a 5.5 generation (1100 × 1400 mm) image‐patterned translucent PV module with 10% transmittance exhibits the stabilized maximum power output (Pmax) of 92.5 W, which can be further improved by optimizing the laser parameters. The remarkable features of our module such as the image displaying, natural light transmission, and heat reduction create entirely new applications including windows and logos and provide an option that adds personal style and unique design to the building interiors. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. |
