Packaging Materials and Design for Improved PV Module Reliability
A number of candidate alternative encapsulant and soft backsheet materials have been evaluated in terms of their suitability for photovoltaic (PV) module packaging applications. Relevant properties, including peel strength as a function of damp heat exposure and permeability, have been measured. Based on these tests, promising new encapsulants with adhesion-promoting primers have been identified that result in improved properties. Test results for backsheets provided by industry and prepared at the National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL) have suggested strategies to achieve significantly improved products. The ability of glass/glass and glass/breathable backsheet constructions laminated with various encapsulant and/or edge seal materials to protect thin-film aluminum coatings deposited onto glass substrates was assessed. Glass/glass laminate constructions can trap harmful compounds that catalyze moisture-driven corrosion of the aluminum. Constructions with breathable backsheets allow higher rates of moisture ingress, but also allow egress of deleterious substances that can result in decreased corrosion.
- Research Organization:
- National Renewable Energy Lab. (NREL), Golden, CO (United States)
- Sponsoring Organization:
- USDOE
- DOE Contract Number:
- AC36-99-GO10337
- OSTI ID:
- 860491
- Report Number(s):
- NREL/CP-520-36835; TRN: US200524%%214
- Resource Relation:
- Related Information: Presented at the 2004 DOE Solar Energy Technologies Program Review Meeting, 25-28 October 2004, Denver, Colorado. Also included in the proceedings available on CD-ROM (DOE/GO-102005-2067; NREL/CD-520-37140)
- Country of Publication:
- United States
- Language:
- English
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Related Subjects
36 MATERIALS SCIENCE
ALUMINIUM
COATINGS
CORROSION
DESIGN
GLASS
MOISTURE
NATIONAL RENEWABLE ENERGY LABORATORY
PACKAGING
PERMEABILITY
RELIABILITY
SUBSTRATES
SOLAR ENERGY
PV
CONCENTRATING SOLAR POWER
MODULE PACKAGING APPLICATIONS
GLASS/BREATHABLE BACKSHEET
THIN-FILM ALUMINUM COATINGS
Solar Energy - Photovoltaics