Evaluation of available encapsulation materials for low-cost long-life silicon photovoltaic arrays. Final report
Three types of encapsulation designs were evaluated based on their potentially low materials and processing costs: 1) polymeric coatings - transparent conformal coatings over the cells with a structural-support substrate; 2) polymeric film lamination - cells laminated between two films or sheets of polymeric materials; and 3) glass-covered systems - cells adhesively bonded to a glass cover (superstrate) with a polymeric pottant and a glass or other substrate material. Materials that are presently available were investigated for possible use in these encapsulation systems. Results are reported for 10 polymeric conformal coating materials, 4 polymer pottant, and 11 polymeric film and sheet materials. As candidates for bonding polymers to polymers or cells in the fabrication of arrays. 16 adhesives were subjected to screening evaluations. Glass materials that were studied for use as covers, and as substrates in some cases, included borosilicate glass; so-called iron-free, or low-iron-content glass; and soda-lime-float glass. Four polymer adhesives/pottants for use in fabricating glass-covered arrays were evaluated. The cells used in this study were purchased from a commercial supplier and have an SiO/sub x/ antireflection (AR) coating and a silk-screened Ag metallization. Evaluations of these materials are reported which include light transmittance measurements, moisture barrier properties, bond strengths, and particularly, the performance of encapsulated cells.To characterize the performance of these designs and encapsulation materials, measurements were made of as-manufactured cells, as-cleaned cells, encapsulated cells, and encapsulated cells that were exposed to different levels of ultraviolet radiation, high humidity, and temperature cycling. (WHK)
- Research Organization:
- Battelle Columbus Labs., OH (USA)
- DOE Contract Number:
- NAS-7-100-954328
- OSTI ID:
- 6447257
- Report Number(s):
- DOE/JPL/954328-2
- Country of Publication:
- United States
- Language:
- English
Similar Records
Investigation of test methods, material properties, and processes for solar cell encapsulants. Sixth quarterly progress report, August 12, 1977--November 12, 1977
Develop silicone encapsulation systems for terrestrial silicon solar arrays. Final report
Related Subjects
36 MATERIALS SCIENCE
ADHESIVES
MATERIALS TESTING
WEATHERING
COVERINGS
ENCAPSULATION
PLASTICS
POLYMERS
PROTECTIVE COATINGS
SILICON SOLAR CELLS
SOLAR CELL ARRAYS
ANTIREFLECTION COATINGS
CLEANING
ELECTRIC CONTACTS
ELECTRICAL PROPERTIES
EVALUATION
EXPERIMENTAL DATA
FILMS
GLASS
HUMIDITY
INFRARED RADIATION
LAMELLAE
LIGHT TRANSMISSION
OPTICAL PROPERTIES
PERFORMANCE TESTING
SERVICE LIFE
SHEETS
TABLES
THERMAL CYCLING
WATERPROOFING
WEIGHT
COATINGS
DATA
DATA FORMS
DIRECT ENERGY CONVERTERS
ELECTRICAL EQUIPMENT
ELECTROMAGNETIC RADIATION
EQUIPMENT
INFORMATION
NUMERICAL DATA
PETROCHEMICALS
PETROLEUM PRODUCTS
PHOTOELECTRIC CELLS
PHOTOVOLTAIC CELLS
PHOTOVOLTAIC POWER PLANTS
PHYSICAL PROPERTIES
POWER PLANTS
RADIATIONS
SOLAR CELLS
SOLAR POWER PLANTS
TESTING
140501* - Solar Energy Conversion- Photovoltaic Conversion
360404 - Materials- Polymers & Plastics- Physical Properties- (-1987)
360603 - Materials- Properties