Are double-glass PV modules durable?

Double-glass PV modules are emerging as a technology which can deliver excellent performance and excellent durability at a competitive cost. In this paper a glass–glass module technology that uses liquid silicone encapsulation is described. The combination of the glass–glass structure and silicone is shown to lead to exceptional durability.

What is a double glass c-Si PV module?

Recently several double-glass (also called glass–glass or dual-glass modules) c-Si PV modules have been launched on the market, many of them by major PV manufacturers. These modules use a sheet of tempered glass at the rear of the module instead of the conventional polymer-based backsheet. There are several reasons why this structure is appealing.

What encapsulant materials can be used for PV modules?

Various encapsulant materials can be considered. Polyvinyl butyral (PVB) has been used for a long time for glass–glass PV modules, particularly for thin-film modules.

Are early PV modules encapsulated with silicone?

Photovoltaics International Early PV modules were often encapsulated with silicone, and have demonstrated outstanding stability in the field, with degradation rates over 20 to 30 years that are much lower than the typical degradation rates for EVA-encapsulated modules [3–5].

What is glass–glass module technology?

In this paper a glass–glass module technology that uses liquid silicone encapsulation is described. The combination of the glass–glass structure and silicone is shown to lead to exceptional durability. The concept enables safe module operation at a system voltage of 1,500V, as well as innovative, low-cost module mounting through pad bonding.

How do PV installation blocks work?

The installation blocks are designed and placed on the laminate in such a way that they can be bolted onto two brackets with a U-shaped cross section. Each pair of brackets will typically carry several modules, the number of which depends on the PV system design (Fig. 3).