Investigation of test methods, material properties, and processes for solar cell encapsulants. Annual report
Springborn Laboratories is engaged in a study of evaluating potentially useful encapsulating materials for the encapsulation task of the Low-Cost Solar Array project (LSA) funded by the Department of Energy. The goal of this program is to identify, evaluate, and recommend encapsulant materials (other than glass) and processes for the production of cost-effective, long-life photovoltaic solar modules. The results of an investigation of solar module encapsulation systems applicable to the Low-Cost Solar Array project 1986 cost and performance goals are presented. The 1986 cost goal for a 20 year life solar cell module is $0.50 per watt or $5 per square foot (in 1975 dollars). Out of this cost goal, $0.25 per square foot is currently allocated for the encapsulation in terms of raw materials, exclusive of labor. Assuming the flat-plate collector to be the most efficient module design, six basic construction elements were identified and their specific uses in module construction defined. In order to generate a comparative analysis, a uniform costing basis was established for each element. Extensive surveys into commercially available materials were then conducted in order to identify either general classes or specific products suitable for use for each construction element. The survey results were also useful in revealing price ranges for classes of materials and estimating the cost allocation for each element within the encapsulation cost goal.
- Research Organization:
- Springborn Labs., Inc., Enfield, CT (USA)
- Sponsoring Organization:
- USDOE; JET PROPULSION LABORATORY
- DOE Contract Number:
- NAS-7-100-954527
- OSTI ID:
- 6360902
- Report Number(s):
- DOE/JPL/954527-8
- Country of Publication:
- United States
- Language:
- English
Similar Records
Investigation of test methods, material properties, and processes for solar cell encapsulants. Twenty-sixth quarterly progress report
Investigation of test methods, material properties, and processes for solar cell encapsulants. Encapsulation task of the Low-Cost Silicon Solar Array project. Thirteenth quarterly progress report, May 12, 1979-August 12, 1979
Related Subjects
SILICON SOLAR CELLS
ENCAPSULATION
SOLAR CELL ARRAYS
ADHESIVES
CERAMICS
COATINGS
COST
COVERINGS
DATA COMPILATION
FILMS
GLASS
MATERIALS
MATERIALS TESTING
MECHANICAL PROPERTIES
OPTICAL PROPERTIES
PHYSICAL PROPERTIES
PLASTICS
POLYACRYLATES
POLYMERS
POTTING
PROTECTIVE COATINGS
RESINS
STABILITY
SUBSTRATES
TABLES
THERMAL DEGRADATION
ULTRAVIOLET RADIATION
WATERPROOFING
WEATHERING
DATA
DATA FORMS
DIRECT ENERGY CONVERTERS
ELECTROMAGNETIC RADIATION
ESTERS
INFORMATION
NUMERICAL DATA
ORGANIC COMPOUNDS
ORGANIC POLYMERS
PETROCHEMICALS
PETROLEUM PRODUCTS
PHOTOELECTRIC CELLS
PHOTOVOLTAIC CELLS
POLYVINYLS
RADIATIONS
SOLAR CELLS
TESTING
140501* - Solar Energy Conversion- Photovoltaic Conversion