There are different types of solar panels. Each solar panel is made of different materials in a unique way and has a different aesthetic appearance. Here, we have listed the high-quality materials for solar modules, which you should consider before dealing with rooftop solar panels.
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| Parts of a solar panel |
What are the Best Materials for Solar Modules and EVA?
Solar energy is one of the cleanest and most abundant renewable energy sources. Solar energy is one way to power your home or business, which benefits the environment. It produces no air pollution, no water pollution, and no greenhouse gas effects.
Solar power is energy from the sun that is harnessed using solar technologies such as photovoltaic (PV) panels, solar heating panels, or using concentrated solar power and other solar modules.
Solar modules or solar panels is a single photovoltaic panel that collects solar cells. These solar cells absorb sunlight energy to produce electricity. These renewable sources enormously benefit the environment and reduce carbon footprints from our surroundings. One of the significant impacts of rooftop solar panels is the cost-saving benefit they have to offer. In order to have a secure investment with access to energy resources, solar panel manufacturers have to build backsheet layers as one of the core materials of solar modules.
They last for more than twenty-five years and in extreme variations in temperature, humidity, and UV radiations. For such stressful work, a solar panel consists of the best materials for longer durability and smooth functioning of the modules.
In this article, we have listed the top-notch materials for solar modules, which you should consider before engaging with rooftop solar panels.
Backsheet
The backsheet layer is the core part of the rarest layer of the solar panels. Backsheet materials act as a moisture barrier protecting solar panels against environmental damage. They offer both mechanical protection and electrical insulation to maintain the durability of the solar modules. To have long-lasting protection on solar panels, the backsheet layer consists of three main properties such as weather ability, mechanical strength, and adhesion. However, not all backsheets are created in similar ways, overall what is vital is to have an optimal balance of these three properties. Following are the different available types of solar backsheet layers created by manufacturers for efficient use of panels.
1. Double Fluoropolymer
Double fluoropolymers are highly efficient and expensive types of solar backsheet. It consists of a layer of Tedlar polyvinyl fluoride (PVF) or Kynar polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF) and a core layer of polyethylene terephthalate. These layers offer better protection of the atom chains present on the layer. The fluoropolymer molecular structure is based on the chains of carbon atoms.
2. Single Fluoropolymer
Solar backsheet manufacturers offer cost-effectiveness and durability by reducing the backsheet layer into a single fluoropolymer backsheet layer. It is mainly made with Kynar or Tedlar fluoride on the airside and with PET or EVA (ethyl vinyl acetate) layers on the inner side. This backsheet often provides satisfactory performance at affordable prices. With reduced layers, there is not much difference in the quality and durability of a single fluoropolymer.
3. Non-Fluoropolymer
Unlike the previous two backsheet fluoropolymer layers, this type of backsheet consists of two PET and one primer. Nevertheless, some non-fluoropolymer backsheet only consist of EVA (ethyl vinyl acetate) layers. Making it one of the cheapest backsheet options. These layers provide high UV exposure protection to solar modules with significantly developed durable polyester films.
Encapsulant for PV modules
Another significant material used on solar panels is encapsulants. An encapsulant is used to provide adhesion between the solar cells, the top surface, and the rear surface of the solar modules. EVA foam sheet manufacturer of India has specifically designed polymers with an optically transparent layer (mainly plastic) and low thermal resistance used to hold solar cells and encapsulate them during the manufacturing process.
Encapsulant or EVE sheet provides a vital solution for packaging solar cells, The lamination of EVA sheet on either side of the solar module helps in shock absorption and stabilizes solar cells from vibration and sudden impact from hailstones and other objects.
Encapsulant offers long-term and durable protection to solar panels.
Rear surface and Frame
In most solar panels, a thin layer of polymer sheet and Tedlar is used as a rare surface. They are designed to accept sun rays either from the front of the rare side of solar cells called bifacial. In bifacial modules, the front and rear of the solar cells must be optically transparent. Their key characteristics are to prevent the ingression of water vapor.
The final structural element of solar panels is the framing of the module. Frames are mostly made from aluminum. Aluminum frames are light in weight and protect the panel from water or dust lodgement.