Evaluation and Modeling of Edge-Seal Materials for Photovoltaic Applications

Conference · Tue Feb 01 04:00:00 EST 2011

DOI:https://doi.org/10.1109/PVSC.2010.5614463· OSTI ID:1007341

Kempe, M D; Dameron, A A; Moricone, T J; Reese, M O

Because of the sensitivity of some photovoltaic devices to moisture-induced corrosion, they are packaged using impermeable front- and back-sheets along with an edge seal to prevent moisture ingress. Evaluation of edge seal materials can be difficult because of the low permeation rates involved and/or non-Fickian behavior. Here, using a Ca film deposited on a glass substrate, we demonstrate theevaluation of edge seal materials in a manner that effectively duplicates their use in a photovoltaic application and compare the results with standard methods for measuring water vapor transport. We demonstrate how moisture permeation data from polymer films can be used to estimate moisture ingress rates and compare the results of these two methods. Encapsulant materials were also evaluated forcomparison and to highlight the need for edge seals. Of the materials studied, desiccant filled polyisobutylene materials demonstrate by far the best potential to keep moisture out for a 20 to 30 year lifetime.

• Research Organization: National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL), Golden, CO (United States)
• Sponsoring Organization: USDOE Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy (EERE)
• DOE Contract Number: AC36-08GO28308
• OSTI ID: 1007341
• Report Number(s): NREL/CP-5200-47706
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

14 SOLAR ENERGY
CORROSION
DESICCANTS
EVALUATION
GLASS
LIFETIME
MOISTURE
POLYMERS
PV
PV durability
SENSITIVITY
SIMULATION
TRANSPORT
WATER VAPOR
edge seal
moisture ingress