Optimization of Solar Module Encapsulant Lamination by Optical Constant Determination of Ethylene-Vinyl Acetate

Abstract

This investigation elucidates the physical properties of ethylene-vinyl acetate (EVA) used in the lamination process of module encapsulation and the module performance from the optical transmission to the photoelectric power. In module encapsulation, the effects of the lamination parameters on the module performance, transmittance, and stack adhesion have been considered as they were found to influence the reliability of the module. The determination of the optical constants of EVA may serve as a nondestructive analytical method for optimizing the module encapsulation, on the basis of its effects on the optical transmittance, gel content, peel strength, and performance power.

Nondestructive characterization of encapsulant discoloration effects in crystalline-silicon PV modules

“…Such investigation requires a large setup consisting of an optical source, a stand-alone encapsulant film and a detector. Many characterization approaches have been reported in literature on stand-alone EVA films [24], which cannot be directly implemented on the encapsulated module without dissecting it, as discussed earlier. To overcome these limitations, a fast and nondestructive EL imaging technique has been exploited for characterization of encapsulant discoloration in a PV module.…”

Stability of Perovskite Films Encapsulated in Single- and Multi-Layer Graphene Barriers

“…Recently, the research community has attempted to standardize testing protocols to aid in the comparison of stability measured in different laboratories . For example, the vulnerability of perovskites to heat, moisture, and oxygen can be simultaneously evaluated using “damp heat testing,” in which devices or films are subjected to high temperatures and humidity to rapidly simulate the effects of long-term degradation. − ,, These accelerated testing conditions have proven to be a challenging stability threshold for perovskite photovoltaics to overcome due to their intrinsic sensitivity to oxygen and water. ,,− One obstacle in devising scalable encapsulation schemes for PSC is that typical materials used for encapsulation of solar cells or other semiconductorstypically ethylene vinyl acetate or other polyolefinsrequire processing temperatures often ∼150 °C. , In PSCs, however, such temperatures can destabilize the perovskite absorber, the hole-transport layer (HTL), or both. , As a result, PSCs often exhibit a reduction in efficiency after encapsulation, and relatively long-lasting PSCs have a lower efficiency compared to record devices . It is therefore critical to investigate new barrier materials and encapsulation techniques that are compatible with PSCs.…”

“…5,16,24−26 One obstacle in devising scalable encapsulation schemes for PSC is that typical materials used for encapsulation of solar cells or other semiconductorstypically ethylene vinyl acetate or other polyolefinsrequire processing temperatures often ∼150 °C. 27,28 In PSCs, however, such temperatures can destabilize the perovskite absorber, the hole-transport layer (HTL), or both. 29,30 As a result, PSCs often exhibit a reduction in efficiency after encapsulation, 23 and relatively long-lasting PSCs have a lower efficiency compared to record devices.…”

Influence of Lamination Conditions of EVA Encapsulation on Photovoltaic Module Durability

“…However, optimisation of the lamination conditions is a complex issue and should be evaluated not limited to passing qualification testing, but to ensure long-term performance and durability. There are several published studies on lamination conditions, but they only focus on a single material property, e.g., optical transmission, crosslinking degree, or adhesion [7][8][9][10][11][12][13]. In reality, these different properties are correlated and need to be assessed concurrently.…”