Why should you choose glass in a PV module?

The choice of glass in a PV module has become a key consideration in efforts to improve durability in the face of extreme weather conditions.

Do PV modules have tempered glass?

Among the current module products on the market, only single-glass modules are equipped with tempered glass. The choice of front and shear materials is critical in determining the module’s ability to withstand hail impacts. Over the past decade, the PV industry has experienced a great revolution.

Can tempered glass be used in solar modules?

The only feasible way for tempered glass to be widely used in solar modules is its application in single-glass modules. The prevailing benchmark for hail resistance, which stipulates that solar modules must be capable of withstanding impacts from hailstones up to 35mm in diameter, may fall short in areas frequently subjected to larger hailstones.

Are bifacial double-glass modules a good choice?

There has been a noteable shift from the initial single-facial single-glass modules to bifacial double-glass modules. Double-glass modules, with their performance in the face of salt mist, high temperatures and high humidity, have won the market’s favour. However, this trend is not without its risks.

Are PV modules enduring reliability?

This trend has redirected the industry’s focus towards the enduring reliability of PV modules. Number of reports and days with large (2+ cm), very large (5+ cm) and giant (10+ cm) hail between 2006 and 2023 according to the European Severe Weather Database. Current PV systems are vulnerable to hail damage for multiple reasons.

Are solar modules reliable in a hailstorm?

In the past 12 months, several manufacturers declared that their modules had passed the hail resistance test with the hailstone diameter over 40mm, such as the Seraphim 210 module, the Jolywood Windproof module, Astronergy, etc. This indicates the trend of higher expectations of module reliability in the face of hailstorms.