Encapsulant solar panel
The photovoltaic modules are composed of various components that surround the solar cells. Whose function is to protect them from external agents. Such is the case of the EVA encapsulant.
What is EVA?
EVA is ethylene vinyl acetate, a material that has good radiation transmission and low degradability to sunlight. This is a thermoplastic polymer, which is used in solar modules as an encapsulating agent since, by applying heat to the assembly, it forms a sealing and insulating film around the solar cells. It prevents the entry of air and the formation of moisture, lets the sun’s energy go through while being resistant to sunlight degradation over time.
What happens if the EVA is of poor quality?
Solar cells are made of silicon. This chemical element tends to react to other molecules; among its favorites is oxygen. If the EVA is of poor quality or the lamination process was not done correctly, the silicon wafer will come into contact with water or air (both very rich in oxygen) and the panel will begin to oxidize, looking yellow or brown depending on the case.
The consequences? The panel has lower efficiency, which will reduce the efficiency of the entire system.
The solution? Replace the panel with a new one.
How can you avoid this?
Work with a solar panel supplier that uses EVA brands with certified quality, and with a strict Incoming Quality Control (IQC) process to test each raw material received. That is why in ECO GREEN ENERGY we make sure to work with the best brands for each component of the panels and even for the machinery of our factory.
Our lamination process is in a vacuum, with a temperature of 152 ° C for 19 minutes, encapsulating all the components so that no air or humidity will enter in contact with the cells.
Our EVA provider is SVECK, a brand that also works with companies such as Jinko Solar, JA Solar, etc…. It has TUV, SGS, VDE, ISO certification. The EVA we use has a thickness of 0.5mm and a weight of 420g / m2 while other brands work with 390g / m2, which could decrease the cells’ lifetime.
Besides, our rolling machine is from BOOSTSOLAR PV brand, experts in the manufacturing of this type of machinery, certified with ISO 9001 and CE, and with worldwide sales, covering the main markets of Europe (Germany, Spain, and Italy), USA, Brazil, Japan, etc…
In Eco Green Energy we also carry out double EL tests before and after the lamination process to verify that everything is in perfect condition and we offer our customers a certified quality product because we care.
If you have any questions about our quality control, you can write to info@eco-greenenergy.com and we will gladly answer all your questions.
EVA (ethylene vinyl acetate) Film encapsulant 100X100 cm
Some products called encapsulants, are not designed for the encapsulation of photovoltaic cells in that they contain fillers and are not weather-proof.
The encapsulation of solar cells require materials with a stable thermal conductivity and UV filter, for a solar panel that lasts so, we recommend that you use only QSIL or EVA.
EVA (ethylene vinyl acetate) Film encapsulant 100X100 cm
Source Wikipedia: Ethylene-vinyl acetate (EVA), also known as poly(ethylene-vinyl acetate) (PEVA), is the copolymer of ethylene and vinyl acetate. The weight percent vinyl acetate usually varies from 10 to 40%, with the remainder being ethylene. EVA is an elastomeric polymer that produces materials which are rubber-like in softness and flexibility. The material has good clarity and gloss, low-temperature toughness, stress-crack resistance, hot-melt adhesive waterproof properties, and resistance to UV radiation. EVA has a distinctive vinegar-like odor and is competitive with rubber and vinyl products in many electrical applications.
EVA is one of the materials popularly known as expanded rubber or foam rubber. EVA foam is used as padding in equipment for various sports such as ski boots, bicycle saddles, hockey pads, boxing and mixed martial arts gloves and helmets, wakeboard boots, waterski boots, fishing rods and fishing reel handles. It is typically used as a shock absorber in sports shoes, for example. It is used for the manufacture of floats for commercial fishing gear such as purse seine (seine fishing) and gillnets. In addition, because of its buoyancy, EVA has made its way into non-traditional products such as floating eyewear. It is also used in the photovoltaics industry as an encapsulation material for crystalline silicon solar cells in the manufacture of photovoltaic modules. EVA slippers and sandals are popular, being lightweight, easy to form, odorless, glossy, and cheaper compared to natural rubber. In fishing rods, EVA is used to construct handles on the rod-butt end. EVA can be used as a substitute for cork in many applications. EVA emulsions are polyvinyl acetate (PVAc) copolymers based on vinyl acetate (VAM) internally plastized with vinyl acetate ethylene (VAE). PVAc copolymer are adhesives used in packaging, textile, bookbinding for bonding plastic films, metal surfaces, coated paper and as redispersible powders in plasters and cement renders. EVA is also used in coatings formulation of good quality interior water-borne paints at 53% primary dispersant Hydrolysis of EVA gives ethylene vinyl alcohol (EVOH) copolymer.
The advantages of EVA are:
Solar Energy
The renewable energy market is rapidly growing, and solar power is a major pillar of this global energy transition. Dow supplies a variety of proven materials, chemistries and technologies used in the manufacture of solar equipment and operation of assets, focusing on high-quality materials solutions that will provide the performance, durability and reliability manufacturers and end users need.
Leveraging more than 100 years of expertise, our technologies are enabling solar component manufacturers to explore novel and more efficient designs as well as providing end users with global reliability of supply to meet today’s and tomorrow’s renewable energy needs
Materials selection for PV modules can be a critical factor in the ongoing success of module manufacturers. Dow’s innovative adhesives, encapsulants, coatings, fluids and bonding materials help make the choice for PV manufacturers easier with opportunities for exceptional long-term performance, reliability, and ease in application.
Solar cell encapsulants
Longer service life and reliability rule in the highly competitive solar market. That’s why selecting the right material for PV encapsulants can be a critical factor contributing to the ongoing success of PV module manufacturers. Dow offers both polyolefin- and silicone-based solutions for encapsulants.
ENGAGE™ PV Polyolefin Elastomers
Making the choice for PV encapsulant films easier, delivering long-term performance and reliability at a lower cost.
The Material of Choice for PV Encapsulant Films
Encapsulant films made with ENGAGE™ PV POEs are helping optimize performance and reduce lifetime costs in PV module systems throughout the world.
Better anti-PID performance is enabled by films made with ENGAGE™ PV POE, especially for high-efficiency bifacial solar cells.
Third-party testing by Fraunhofer showed ENGAGE™ PV POEs exhibited virtually no PID during service life, with a power loss of 0.3% versus 35% with ethylene vinyl acetate (EVA)-based film¹.
1 Based on tests conducted by the Fraunhofer Center for Silicon Photovoltaics CSP. Chart provided by Fraunhofer. Additional information available upon request.
2 Based on Dow testing that compared a module film made with ENGAGE™ PV POE to a module made with an EVA-based film. Additional information available upon request.
Technical Content
ENGAGE™ Polyolefin Elastomers
DOWSIL™ silicone encapsulants deliver out-of-this-world performance in BIPV and harsh climate applications
For specific applications, including Building Integrated Photovoltaics (BIPV) and solar panels for very hot climates, silicone solar cell encapsulation may be the preferred solution. These encapsulants are dispensed as a liquid and cure into highly transparent elastomers. Dow offers silicone-based solar cell encapsulants that meet different needs, but which all share outstanding durability and resistance to extreme temperatures.
Frame sealants
Excellent and durable adhesion is essential for module frame attachment to PV laminates. Regardless of climate or weather conditions, ensuring reliable sealing performance and preventing water ingress is essential to the durability and longevity of PV modules.
Rail bonding adhesives
Whether your goal is to reduce metal and therefore cost, or to design PV modules with flawless frameless aesthetics, combining back-rail and silicone rail bonding adhesives is an excellent choice. Dow brings extensive experience in structural glazing, paired with the right technology and expertise to help you achieve your rail bonding objectives.
Electronics encapsulants and potting agents
Whether in junction boxes or power management devices, electronic components need reliable protection against water ingress, corrosion and arcing. Dow offers a wide range of encapsulants to meet durability and protection requirements for electronics applications.
Junction box adhesives
Excellent and durable adhesion is essential for junction box attachment to PV laminates. Regardless of climate or weather conditions, ensuring reliable sealing performance and preventing water ingress is essential to the durability and longevity of PV modules.
Silicone coatings for backsheets and aesthetics
A challenge that has recently emerged in solar park operation is the cracking of backsheets. PV modules manufactured with a backsheet type later determined to be of poor quality — degraded after only a few years in the field. Cracks appear in the backsheet affecting insulation performance. DOWSIL™ silicone coating helps restore insulation resistance and prevent further degradation.
Many PV applications require a protective and/or decorative silicone coating to meet both specified durability and aesthetics. Dow offers silicones for repair and protective coating, as well as a decorative glass coating material with strong and durable adhesion to glass and perfect color control. Contact us for more information on how to improve your panel aesthetics, and for color coating options.
DOWSIL™ 7094 Flowable Sealant Protective Silicone Coating
A protective silicone coating for both in-field repair of photovoltaic modules that have shown backsheet degradation and factory applied backsheet protection.
Concentrated photovoltaics
Advanced photovoltaic concepts require secondary optics with complex shapes, excellent transparency, and outstanding stability under high fluxes. Discover our range of moldable silicones and explore how they can enable you to implement your design.
SILASTIC™ MS-4002 Moldable Optical Silicone
Polysilicon production
SYLTHERM™ silicone-based and DOWTHERM™ synthetic organic-based thermal fluids offer optimal thermal stability for a highly sensitive process and subzero temperature operation required at various stages of producing high purity polysilicon.
SYLTHERM™ 800 Heat Transfer Fluid stands out as an ideal solution to be used as a cooling medium in the jacket reactor to control the temperature at the reduction reaction step with temperatures reaching 400ºC. SYLTHERM™ 800 is a non-fouling, low in toxicity fluid with the longest lifetime service (10 years at 400ºC).
DOWTHERM™ J and SYLTHERM™ XLT Heat Transfer Fluids are used in the separation and condensing step of various reaction gases through cooling method where extremely low temperatures are required (-40ºC ~-75ºC). This part of the process enables collection of the gas mixtures to be recycled.
Review these technical guides
Photovoltaic module
Enabling concentrated solar power with advanced heat transfer fluids
Parabolic Trough Concentrated Solar Power (CSP) plants enable capturing solar power by using parabolic shaped mirrors to concentrate sunlight onto receivers. Collected solar thermal energy is typically then used to generate electricity via a steam turbine or stored for later dispatch. Parabolic trough CSP plants complements other renewable energy technologies by overcoming intermittency, enabling reliable energy storage, and reducing undesired environmental impact (e.g., dust and heat).
Dow helps you harness the power of the sun with advanced heat transfer fluid technology and support to meet the most challenging system, volume and delivery requirements, all over the world. We’ve proven it where it counts most: in many of the largest CSP projects under the sun. Today, more than 50 CSP plants filled with DOWTHERM™ A provide enough electrical generation capacity to meet the needs of more than 1 million homes at a savings of over 5 million metric tons of CO2 emissions per year.
Our total solution approach supports your project from end-to-end with:
- DOWTHERM™ A Fluid, the world’s leading fluid for CSP
- In-depth technical support
- World-scale production capacity
- Tailored supply chain and logistics capabilities
- Total commitment to safety
DOWTHERM™ A fluid is the most thermally stable synthetic organic fluid under the sun which is proven reliable for more than 80 years in chemical, synthetic fiber and other high temperature processing applications. It is capable of withstanding temperatures as high as 400°C (750°F) to collect and transport heat in CSP systems while operating in either liquid or vapor phase. The extreme temperature capabilities of DOWTHERM™ A enable this versatile, high purity fluid to operate for years with excellent thermal stability, great heat transfer fluid efficiency, and improved overall fluid life. And because the fluid’s viscosity is low throughout its operating temperature range, system efficiency and pumpability are excellent.
What is the solar panel thickness in 2020?
Today we would like to talk abou the solar panel thickness issue, maybe you are not familiar with the term of solar panel. I would like to tell you something about solar panel from WIKIPEDIA.
What is solar panel?
The term solar panel is used colloquially for a photo-voltaic (PV) module.
A PV module is an assembly of photo-voltaic cells mounted in a framework for installation. Photo-voltaic cells use sunlight as source of energy and generate direct current electricity. A collection of PV modules is called a PV Panel, and a system of Panels is an Array. Arrays of a photovoltaic system supply solar electricity to electrical equipment.
Photovoltaic modules use light energy (photons) from the Sun to generate electricity through the photovoltaic effect. Most modules use wafer-based crystalline silicon cells. The structural (load carrying) member of a module can be either the top layer or the back layer. Cells must be protected from mechanical damage and moisture. Most modules are rigid, the cells are connected electrically in series, one to another to the desired voltage, and then in parallel to increase amperage.
Solar panel component
As a solar panel frame manufacturer in China, we should know-how is a solar panel made, cause our frame is one part of solar modules. First of All, let us check out the solar panel material breakdown pic to have an overall idea of solar panels.
From this picture, we know that A solar PV module consists of solar cells, glass, EVA, backsheet, and frame. Among these components, the most important part is solar cells, and the most common material to create PV cells with is silicon crystals. Now we have a clear idea of solar panel material and let us continue to talk about solar panel thickness.
What is the solar panel thickness?
The answer can be divided into two parts
- Thickness of solar laminate ( The actual solar panel)
- Thickness of solar panel with aluminium frame ( to strengthen. protect. and gives ease of handling and installation)
For the thickness of solar laminate:
- The major thickness of the solar laminate is of solar glass which is 3.2mm, in 90% of cases for 60cell solar panels. There are other components like solar cells, encapsulant sheets (2 Nos) and backsheet of the solar laminate. They individually of different thickness but when they are fused together under high vacuum and high temperature, the thickness of the laminate can be anywhere between 4.2mm to 4.6mm.
- 3. Now the new double glass /bifacial solar panel is becomming more and more popular because of its high power. But the solar glass is different from common solar panels, the glass thickness can be 2.0mm and 2.5mm thickness for choice, For the double glass solar panels 2.0mm glass thickness, laminated with other components like solar cells, encapsulant sheets (2 Nos) and backsheet, the total laminated thickness can be anywhere between 5.0 mm to 5.4mm. For the double glass solar panels 2.5mm glass thickness, laminated with other components like solar cells, encapsulant sheets (2 Nos) and backsheet, the total laminated thickness can be anywhere between 6.0 mm to 6.4mm.
For the thickness of solar panel with aluminium frame
For the thickness of solar panel with aluminium frame, we can know that the laminate is then fixed in aluminium frame whose thickness can be different according to the weight of the solar laminate it has to carry. The most popular size of aluminum solar panel frames can be concluded as below: