PV-wirefree

PV-wirefree is a new approach in designing PV-systems. PV-wirefree consists of only four main components: a PV-wirefree laminate, module connectors, a mounting frame and an inverter. Compared with current PV-systems with DC-wiring, DC-connectors, junction boxes, etc. this implies a huge reduction of components. This is achieved by eliminating components and integration of functions. The main feature of PV-wirefree is that we use the mounting frame to carry the current.


Why PV-wirefree?

Using PV-wirefree will reduce the costs of PV-systems considerably. We estimate the Balance Of System (BOS) costs - the "overhead" costs of PV-systems - will be reduced with more than 50% compared with current PV-systems. Moreover, using PV-wirefree systems will increase the output considerably.


Status

The new approach is available, but PV-manufacturers seem to be rather hesitant to implement PV-wirefree. Moreover, OKE-Services has now developed a new micro-inverter, which offers comparable advantages, and is easier for the market to accept. However, when you are interested please contact us at oke@euronet.nl.


Downloads - in descending chronological order

  • PV-wirefree: results of the proof-of-principle project and final system design
    Irene de Jong, Henk Oldenkamp, Esther Hebly, Bart de Boer, Hugo de Moor, Wim Sinke
    Paper presented at the 20th European Photovoltaic Solar Energy Conference, Barcelona, Spain, June 2005
    Download (pdf, 521 kB)
  • PV-wirefree versus conventional PV-systems: detailed analysis of difference in energy yield between series and parallel connected PV-modules
    Henk Oldenkamp, Irene de Jong, Nico van der Borg, Bart de Boer, Hugo de Moor, Wim C. Sinke
    Paper presented at the 19th European Photovoltaic Solar Energy Conference, Paris, France, June 2004
    Download (pdf, 244 kB)
  • PV-wirefree versus conventional PV-systems: detailed analysis of difference in energy yield between series and parallel connected PV-modules
    Henk Oldenkamp
    Presentation held at the 19th European Photovoltaic Solar Energy Conference, Paris, France, June 2004
    Download (ppt, 11243 kB)
  • PV-wirefree versus conventional PV-systems: detailed analysis of difference in energy yield between series and parallel connected PV-modules
    Henk Oldenkamp
    On-line power point presentation held at the 19th European Photovoltaic Solar Energy Conference, Paris, France, June 2004
    Open (html)
  • Duurzaamheid van fotovoltaïsche systemen op basis van geavanceerde silicium technologie (in Dutch)
    Erik Alsema, Universiteit Utrecht Copernicus Instituut Sectie Natuurwetenschap en Samenleving, ISBN 90-393-3581-8
    In this report an environmental Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) is made of advanced production technologies for crystalline silicium modules in comparison with the existing production technology. Among the investigated technologies are Solsilc solar-grade silicium, Ribbon-Growth-on-Substrate and Edge-defined Film-fed Growth. Also an assessment is made of new solar inverter types and novel roof-integration concepts, like PV-wirefree. Based on these analyses potential improvements in the environmental profile of photovoltaic systems are evaluated. Also energy pay-back times and CO2 emissions of the considered PV systems are calculated. Finally options for technological improvement are presented.
    Download (pdf, 1615 kB)
  • PV-wirefree: bringing PV-systems back to their essentials
    Henk Oldenkamp, Irene de Jong, Bart de Boer, Wim C. Sinke
    Paper presented at the 3rd World Conference on Photovoltaic Energy Conversion, Osaka, Japan, May 2003
    Download (pdf, 98 kB)
  • PV-wirefree: bringing PV-systems back to their essentials
    Henk Oldenkamp
    Presentation held at the 3rd World Conference on Photovoltaic Energy Conversion, Osaka, Japan, May 2003
    Download (ppt, 5503 kB).
  • PV-wirefree: bringing PV-systems back to their essentials
    Henk Oldenkamp
    On-line power point presentation held at the 3rd World Conference on Photovoltaic Energy Conversion, Osaka, Japan, May 2003
    Open (html)
  • Zonnecel zonder bedrading goedkoper en veiliger (in Dutch)
    Rijkert Knoppers
    Article published in Technisch Weekblad about PV-wirefree concept, November 2002
    Download (pdf from scan, 171 kB)
  • (K)eine gute idee (in German)
    Anne Kreutzmann
    Article published in Photon about the PV for Europe conference, November 2002
    Download (pdf from scan, 552 kB).
  • Projectrapportage Haalbaarheidsstudie PV-wireless (in Dutch)
    Henk Oldenkamp, Irene de Jong
    Public report with the results of the study into the feasiblity of PV-wireless, compiled for the Netherlands agency for energy and the environment (Novem) to complete the feasibility project subsidized by the Nieuw Energieonderzoek-programma (NEO) (in Dutch), November 2002
    Download (pdf, 1750 kB)
  • PV-wirefree: Redesigning and innovating the grid-connected PV systems
    Henk Oldenkamp, Irene de Jong, Wim C. Sinke
    Paper presented at PV for Europe conference, Rome, October 2002
    Download (pdf, 231 kB)
  • Flyer PV-wirefree - redesigning PV-systems
    Henk Oldenkamp, Irene de Jong
    Flyer presented at PV for Europe conference, Rome, October 2002
    Download (pdf, 1 MB)
  • PV-wirefree: Redesigning and innovating the grid-connected PV systems
    Henk Oldenkamp, Irene de Jong
    Poster presented at PV for Europe conference, Rome, October 2002
    Download(pdf, 488 kB)
  • Detailed analysis of currents in PV-shunts
    Henk Oldenkamp
    Technical note which set the basics for PV-wirefree, 18 February 2002
    Download (pdf, 151 kB)