AESOLAR & Fraunhofer CSP unveil PV module for Shaded Areas

Fraunhofer CSP and AESOLAR developed a segmented PV module under the “SegmentPV” project to address partial shading in urban settings. Partial shading on rooftops, chimneys, or from trees caused energy losses and thermal stress, with as little as 5% shading sometimes leading to complete output loss. The project, running until September 2025, aimed to reduce hot-spot risk by using segmented layouts and integrated bypass diodes. Fraunhofer CSP evaluated cell technologies like PERC, TOPCon, and HJT, focusing on reverse breakdown behavior and bypass diode performance. AESOLAR designed various segmented layouts, producing prototypes for lab and field tests. Tests included thermomechanical stress cycles, shading simulations, hot-spot tests under alternating conditions, and bypass diode durability checks. The project was funded by the German Energy Ministry’s research program. Fraunhofer CSP will share the project results at Intersolar Europe in Munich from May 7–9, 2025.