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.

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.

What is a glass-glass module?

Glass-Glass module designs are an old technology that utilises a glass layer on the back of modules in place of traditional polymer backsheets. They were heavy and expensive allowing for the lighter polymer backsheets to gain the majority of the market share at the time.

Can Eva be used in glass-glass structures?

The use of EVA in glass-glass structures is in principle discouraged, as a bioproduct of its photo-degradation is acetic-acid, which cannot be released outside the module– as in the case of glass/foil structures – potentially leading to several degradation modes. In particular, the work focuses on the effect of non-optimal EVA storage conditions.

Are glass-glass modules bifacial?

Despite the challenges of the glass-glass modules design, the increased reliability, subsequent 30 year warranty and transparent back enabled bifacial technology to exist.

How long will a glass-glass module last?

Therefore. over a 30 year lifetime it can be expected to still operate at 85% of the nameplate capacity. The weight of glass-glass modules are still an issue, with current designs using 2 mm thick glass on each side for framed modules, the weight is about 22 kg, while 2.5 mm on each side will increase the module’s weight to 23 kg.