Photovoltaic modules having reduced weight

The construction principles according to the present invention make possible large sheet-like solar modules with low weight, which have great mechanical toughness, are inured to rough climatic environment influences and withstand thermal stress due to solar irradiation and shadowing effects. The solar modules have front and back panes, one of which has a thickness of at least 3 mm and the other of which has a thickness of at most 2 mm. The coefficient of thermal expansion of the thicker pane is preferably greater than that of the thinner pane. In preferred embodiments burling or a wavy structure is provided on one side of the front pane and/or the back pane.