Researchers at King Abdullah University of Science and Technology (KAUST) have revealed a evaluate that appears at polycarbonate sheets instead to solar cowl glass. Their findings point out that this new supplies have a mixture of low weight, mechanical energy, optical transparency, and thermal resistance that’s worthy of additional investigation.
Replacing standard solar panel glass with polymeric supplies can cut back weight, keep away from glass breakage, and unlock new PV functions the place low weight is a key requirement, similar to building-integrated (BIPV) and vehicle-integrated photovoltaics (VIPV).
Alternative supplies, similar to polycarbonate sheets (PC), advantage consideration in accordance to “Lightweight Photovoltaics Enabled by Polycarbonate-Based Sheets,” a evaluate revealed in Advanced Engineering Materials by researchers at King Abdullah University of Science and Technology (KAUST) in Saudi Arabia.
“Our review covered both new concepts for glass-free module designs and existing commercial solutions,” first writer Marco Marengo informed pv magazine, including that PC was value a re-evaluation in gentle of its confirmed efficiency outside in different fields of software.
Examples of outside functions are greenhouse roofing materials, architectural skylights, and constructing facades. It is used due to its impression energy, broad working temperature vary, wonderful dimensional stability, and self-extinguishing properties, in accordance to the paper.
Furthermore, PC sheets provide a “unique combination” of low weight, mechanical energy, broadband optical transparency, and thermal resistance.
“Initially, we were doubtful about the possibility of implementing PC as a replacement for glass in PV modules. However, during our research, we realized that only a few material combinations were explored for lightweight PV, and several companies had already investigated PC-based modules,” stated Marengo.
The focus of the examine was on two thicknesses of PC sheets : (i) skinny, lower than 1 mm, versatile front and back sheets and (ii) thick, higher than 1 mm, inflexible polymeric sheets. In the examine, the researchers additionally in contrast glass properties, PC, and polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA) materials properties, together with price.
The analysis indicated challenges to widespread adoption concern thermomechanical stresses “induced by different coefficients of thermal expansion in the materials stack,” compatibility with industrial encapsulants that aren’t essentially tailor-made for adhesion to PC sheets and probably increased prices. “However, recent advancements in encapsulation materials and solar cell interconnect designs offer promising solutions to these hurdles,” stated the researchers.
“Our study showed that polymer-based materials, particularly PC, can cut module weight by more than 50% compared to glass while offering impact and fire resistance, improved mechanical stability compared to thin front and backsheets, and design flexibility,” stated Marengo. “That said, long-term reliability studies and outdoor testing remain essential to demonstrate the durability of PV modules encapsulated with PC sheets.”
The crew will now deal with growing market-ready PC-based light-weight photovoltaic modules utilizing commercially obtainable supplies appropriate with commonplace industrial lamination processes.
“We also aim to demonstrate their reliability according to international standards and evaluate their outdoor performance under the hot and humid climate conditions of Saudi Arabia’s west coast,” stated Marengo.
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