ETFE and its Role in the Fabrication of Lightweight c-Si Solar Modules

• Published in: IEEE journal of photovoltaics Vol. 13; no. 3; pp. 1 - 6
• Main Authors: Lisco, Fabiana, Bukhari, Farwah, Jones, Luke O., Law, Adam Michael, Walls, John Mike, Ballif, Christophe
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Piscataway IEEE 01.05.2023; The Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers, Inc. (IEEE)
• Subjects: Abrasion resistance; Abrasion test; Cleaning; Durability; Environmental testing; ETFE; Ethylene tetrafluoroethylenes; Glass; glass-free modules; Lightweight; Optical device fabrication; Optical properties; Photovoltaic cells; Photovoltaic systems; Polymers; Resistance; Sheet material; Temperature measurement; Testing; Weight reduction
• ISSN: 2156-3381; 2156-3403; 2156-3403
• DOI: 10.1109/JPHOTOV.2023.3242212

Glass-free, lightweight, photovoltaic modules have the potential to enable new uses of solar in building integrated and vehicle integrated applications. Glass-free modules have the advantages of reduced weight, lower-cost mounting solutions, and reduced transportation costs. Ethylene tetrafluoroethylene (ETFE) is usually considered a suitable candidate to replace glass as the front cover sheet material in module fabrication. In this article, we report on its optical, chemical, self-cleaning, and morphological properties. Durability is a key issue, especially for building-integrated applications since harsh conditions are prevalent outdoors. We report on the effect of sequences of environmental stress tests (UV exposure, and Damp Heat). The module cover material is also subject to regular cleaning, which can cause surface damage. We report on the use of linear abrasion testing to assess the abrasion resistance of ETFE to a variety of abrasive materials. The results provide useful data on the advantages and disadvantages of replacing glass with a durable polymer for front sheets in solar modules.