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Title: BACKFLIP Project: Determination of BACKsheet Material Properties: A Comparison of Market-Benchmark Technologies to Novel Non-Fluoro-Based Co-Extruded Backsheet Materials and Their Correlation and Impact on PV Module Degradation Rates

Conference ·
OSTI ID:1606136
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  1. DSM Advanced Solar
  2. National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL), Golden, CO (United States)
  3. SLAC National Accelerator Laboratory
  4. Sandia National Laboratories
  5. Florida Solar Energy Center

Quantifying degradation rate of backsheets will help procuring materials for 30+ years. Today most backsheets on the market have a laminated PET core; polyolefin materials may provide better properties for backsheets (barrier to water, mechanical properties through UV and hydrolytic environments, etc.). End-of-life regulations may require fluorine-free backsheet products in future global markets. Parametrized equation predicting the service life of backsheets, and validated by both lab and outdoor extensive testing. Technical and commercial confidence to the entire value chain: from backsheet and module manufacturers to the downstream community (IPP, banks, developers) that materials of higher quality can help reduce finance costs, therefore driving down LCOE. A fast track PV module market adaptation for novel high-quality materials, such as co-extruded polyolefin-core backsheets, by obtaining unbiased durability data.

Research Organization:
National Renewable Energy Lab. (NREL), Golden, CO (United States)
Sponsoring Organization:
USDOE Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy (EERE), Solar Energy Technologies Office (EE-4S), Durable Modules Consortium (DuraMAT)
DOE Contract Number:
AC36-08GO28308
OSTI ID:
1606136
Report Number(s):
NREL/PO-5K00-76400
Resource Relation:
Conference: Presented at the Photovoltaic Reliability Workshop, 25-27 February 2020, Lakewood, Colorado
Country of Publication:
United States
Language:
English