Importance of Materials in PV Modules: Recommended Best Practices to Select PV Modules

SOLAR POWER

Importance of Materials in PV Modules: Recommended Best Practices to Select PV Modules

   DuPont Photovoltaic Solutions

DuPont has been engaged in an extensive field survey program for more than 5 years to help gain an in- depth understanding of what makes a reliable and durable PV module. The studies have found that many materials used in PV modules demonstrate signs of visual changes in less than 2 years of operation and resulted in power loss, safety risk or both. This demonstrates the importance of selecting robust materials—based upon observations and track record in the field in similar environments—to minimize risk of premature failure. The recommendations  outlined here focus specifically on projects involving

crystalline silicon modules and have been developed primarily based on material technology, extensive lab testing and field studies.

Introduction

With the cost of PV modules dropping drastically over the past several years, manufacturers are rapidly deploying technology changes and compromising on quality to manage short-term goals. This is leading to a wide variation in PV modules in terms of design, construction and the “bill of materials” which has a direct and significant impact on the performance of the modules. Existing IEC (International Electro- Technical Commission) standards for PV modules are merely qualification standards which, at best, help to identify manufacturing-related defects; however, they are not designed to test the module’s lifetime and long-term performance, particularly in extreme climatic conditions. This enables the use of low cost but unproven materials which increases failure risks and negatively impacts investment returns. Specification of materials and properties, therefore, is critical for the project owners to ensure the use of the right materials in the modules for their projects to help minimize performance risks.

Figure 1: Structure of a crystalline silicon PV module

Importance of materials in PV modules

Figure 1 represents the structure of a crystalline silicon PV module and its different components. The matrix of interconnected solar cells, which converts sunlight into electricity, is encapsulated by a set of materials that fundamentally allows cells to work for 25 years. Materials protect cells from harsh environmental stresses such as ultraviolet radiation, humidity, temperature, dust, sand, etc., as well as electrically insulate the module, which is critical from a safety point of view. If material degrades, it can have a significant impact on the performance of the cells (in terms of faster power degradation or even catastrophic failures), as well as safety of the module.

The functions and key properties of each of these material layers are explained in section 2.1. In addition to having optimal balance of properties, the materials should be capable of retaining their properties when exposed to outdoor conditions for long periods of time.

Function and key properties of materials used in PV modules i. Front glass

Front glass provides mechanical strength and structural rigidity to the module, as well as long-term protection against external factors such as rain and dirt. It should be mechanically strong and highly transparent to allow maximum light transmission. Front glass comes with an Anti-Reflection Coating (ARC) on the top surface to reduce light reflection.

Typical issues: glass breakage (poor installation, wind loads, insufficient thickness); degradation of ARC

coating (sand abrasion and heat-humidity stress).

ii. Encapsulant

The encapsulant is mainly used to laminate glass, cells and backsheet, and has many requirements such as high optical transparency (to allow light transmission); good electrical insulation; excellent adhesion to glass, cells and backsheet; and resistance to UV radiation. The most commonly used encapsulant is ethylene vinyl acetate (EVA).

Typical issues: EVA yellowing (See Figure 2) (UV radiation and heat); release of acetic acid which tends to corrode cells and metal contacts.

Figure 2: EVA yellowing

Figure 3: PV backsheet structure

Junction box

The junction box in a PV module works as an interface between internal circuitry and external cables. It also contains the protective bypass diodes that prevent the occurrence of hot spots in case of cell mismatch or shading. The outer cover of the junction box should be made of UV and weather-resistant material to avoid degradation.

Aluminum frames

The module is surrounded by an aluminum frame to seal edges and provide a means to firmly install modules to the metal structures. The thickness of the frame is critical for sufficient mechanical stability to withstand wind loads. The aluminum is coated with an oxide coating (anodized aluminum) to prevent corrosion of aluminum in humid climates.

Sealant

The edges of PV modules are potential areas of moisture ingress in the module. To prevent this, the edges are required to be sealed properly with a robust sealing material that has excellent weather-resistance properties, good electrical insulation and sealing performance. In addition to sealing edges, the sealant is used to fix frames and junction boxes; therefore, it must have good adhesive properties. Silicone material is typically used as a sealant in PV in modules.

Risk mitigation strategy—recommended best practices to select PV modules

DuPont has been engaged in an extensive field survey program for more than 5 years to help gain an in- depth understanding of what makes a reliable and durable PV module. The studies have found that many materials used in PV modules demonstrate signs of visual changes in less than 2 years of operation and resulted in power loss, safety risk or both. This demonstrates the importance of selecting robust materials—based upon observations and track record in the field in similar environments—to minimize risk of premature failure. The recommendations  outlined here focus specifically on projects involving crystalline silicon modules and have been developed primarily based on material technology, extensive lab testing and field studies. Through provision of these considerations, DuPont seeks to provide “best practice” guidelines that address potential risks associated with module failure in the field.

Know what materials are used

We recommend that the bill of materials (BoM) be disclosed by the module manufacturer to assess whether the said materials have a proven track record in the field and are adequately suited to last the specified lifetime for the project under consideration. The BoM disclosure should include at least the following items:

i. Cell manufacturer

ii. Backsheet manufacturer & construction (material layers, thickness)

iii. Glass manufacturer, type and construction (with/without ARC, thickness)

iv. EVA supplier, Vinyl Acetate (VA) content, thickness & gel content v. Type of edge seal (silicone/tape/glue) and manufacturer

vi. Junction box material and manufacturer

vii. Frame material and manufacturer

The BoM should remain consistent for a specific model of panel.