Short answer

When designing or specifying solar modules for long-term deployment, opt for glass/glass construction with advanced encapsulants to ensure superior durability and performance over time.

Field: Commercial Production
Source: Academic Publication (2022)
Method: Experimental and Comparative Analysis
Sample: Over 195 modules (60+ field-retrieved, 135+ mini-modules, 30+ commercial)
Evidence: Strong effect

Advanced glass/glass (G/G) solar module construction, particularly with non-EVA encapsulants, demonstrates enhanced durability and reduced failure modes compared to traditional glass/backsheet (G/B) modules under rigorous accelerated stress testing. This commercial production research insight is drawn from a 2022 study published in Academic Publication. Using Experimental and comparative analysis with Over 195 modules (60+ field-retrieved, 135+ mini-modules, 30+ commercial), researchers explored how this design variable affects real-world outcomes. The key design takeaway: When designing or specifying solar modules for long-term deployment, opt for glass/glass construction with advanced encapsulants to ensure superior durability and performance over time.

Study

Commercial ProductionHigh ImpactStrong effect

Glass/Glass Solar Modules Exhibit Superior Long-Term Reliability Over Glass/Backsheet Designs

Academic Publication · 2022

Key Findings

01Glass/glass (G/G) modules, especially those utilizing non-EVA encapsulants like POE, exhibit superior resistance to degradation and failure mechanisms compared to glass/backsheet (G/B) modules under accelerated stress conditions.
02The G/G construction provides a more robust barrier against environmental stressors such as moisture ingress and thermal cycling, leading to a lower incidence of delamination and corrosion.
03Accelerated stress testing methods (FAST, EAST, CAST) effectively correlate with observed field degradation patterns, validating their utility in predicting long-term module performance.

Application

Design takeaway

When designing or specifying solar modules for long-term deployment, opt for glass/glass construction with advanced encapsulants to ensure superior durability and performance over time.

How to apply

When selecting materials for solar energy projects, prioritize glass/glass module designs and investigate the use of advanced encapsulants (e.g., POE) over traditional EVA, based on their demonstrated superior reliability in accelerated testing.

Project actions

01When designing a solar energy system, consider the long-term reliability data provided by manufacturers, focusing on module construction (G/G vs. G/B) and encapsulant type.
02If conducting a comparative analysis of different solar technologies, include accelerated stress testing as a method to predict long-term performance and durability.

Method & Evidence

AimTo systematically evaluate and compare the reliability strengths and weaknesses of new generation glass/glass (G/G) bifacial solar modules against established glass/backsheet (G/B) modules through a comprehensive experimental approach.

MethodExperimental and Comparative Analysis

ProcedureThe research involved evaluating over 60 field-retrieved modules and constructing/characterizing more than 135 mini-modules using various substrate types (glass, backsheet, transparent), encapsulant types (EVA, POE), and cell types (monofacial, bifacial). These modules, along with over 30 commercial G/G and G/B modules, were subjected to extensive characterization tests and multiple indoor and outdoor accelerated stress tests, including Field Accelerated Stress Testing (FAST), Extended Accelerated Stress Testing (EAST), and Combined Accelerated Stress Testing (CAST), to identify and correlate failure modes.

SampleOver 195 modules (60+ field-retrieved, 135+ mini-modules, 30+ commercial)

ContextSolar energy technology development and manufacturing

Variables

IV["Module construction type (Glass/Glass vs. Glass/Backsheet)","Encapsulant type (EVA vs. non-EVA/POE)","Substrate type (Glass, Backsheet, Transparent)"]

DV["Reliability metrics (e.g., degradation rate, failure modes)","Performance parameters (e.g., power output)","Physical integrity (e.g., delamination, corrosion, cracking)"]

CV["Cell type (monofacial/bifacial)","Exposure duration and intensity in accelerated tests","Environmental conditions during testing (temperature, humidity, UV)"]

Strengths & Limitations

Strengths

+Comprehensive experimental approach involving both field-retrieved and newly constructed modules.
+Application of multiple rigorous accelerated stress testing protocols (FAST, EAST, CAST) for thorough evaluation.
+Consideration of various material combinations (substrates, encapsulants, cell types).

Limitations

Accelerated tests may not perfectly replicate all real-world failure modes. The specific environmental conditions and stress levels used in the tests might not cover all potential scenarios a module could face over its lifespan.

Reliability & validity

Reliability is addressed through the use of multiple accelerated stress tests and the evaluation of a large sample size of modules. Validity is supported by correlating lab findings with field-retrieved module data, suggesting the tests accurately represent real-world degradation.

Think critically

To what extent can accelerated stress testing fully predict the 25-30 year lifespan of solar modules in diverse global climates, and what are the potential risks of over-reliance on these tests for commercial product guarantees?

Design Principles

"Material selection and construction methods significantly impact product longevity and reliability under environmental stress."

As the solar industry transitions towards bifacial technologies, understanding the long-term reliability of new module designs is crucial for ensuring product longevity, reducing warranty claims, and maintaining energy generation efficiency. This research provides empirical data to inform material selection and manufacturing processes for next-generation solar products.

What This Means for Your Design

Newer solar panels made with two layers of glass are tougher and last longer than older ones with a plastic backsheet, especially if they use special glue (encapsulant) that isn't the most common type.

How to use in your project

1.Reference this study when justifying the selection of glass/glass solar modules over glass/backsheet modules in your design project, citing the superior reliability demonstrated through accelerated testing.
2.Use the findings to support your material choices, particularly regarding the encapsulant, if your design project involves solar energy harvesting.

Add to My Project

Quick Cite

Paragraph starter

The research by TamizhMani et al. (2022) provides critical insights into the reliability of solar photovoltaic modules, demonstrating that glass/glass (G/G) construction offers superior durability compared to traditional glass/backsheet (G/B) designs. Through extensive accelerated stress testing (FAST, EAST, CAST), the study revealed that G/G modules, particularly those employing non-EVA encapsulants, exhibit enhanced resistance to degradation mechanisms such as delamination and corrosion, making them a more robust choice for long-term energy generation applications.

Source

Academic Publication

Reliability Evaluation of Bifacial and Monofacial Glass/Glass Modules with EVA and non-EVA Encapsulants

journal · 2022

View source

Questions About This Research

What does the research say about glass/glass solar modules exhibit superior long-term reliability over glass/backsheet designs?: When designing or specifying solar modules for long-term deployment, opt for glass/glass construction with advanced encapsulants to ensure superior durability and performance over time. Evidence: Academic Publication (2022).
Why does "Glass/Glass Solar Modules Exhibit Superior Long-Term Reliability Over Glass/Backsheet Designs" matter for design?: As the solar industry transitions towards bifacial technologies, understanding the long-term reliability of new module designs is crucial for ensuring product longevity, reducing warranty claims, and maintaining energy generation efficiency. This research provides empirical data to inform material selection and manufacturing processes for next-generation solar products.
How can designers apply this research?: When designing or specifying solar modules for long-term deployment, opt for glass/glass construction with advanced encapsulants to ensure superior durability and performance over time.
What were the main findings?: Glass/glass (G/G) modules, especially those utilizing non-EVA encapsulants like POE, exhibit superior resistance to degradation and failure mechanisms compared to glass/backsheet (G/B) modules under accelerated stress conditions.. The G/G construction provides a more robust barrier against environmental stressors such as moisture ingress and thermal cycling, leading to a lower incidence of delamination and corrosion.. Accelerated stress testing methods (FAST, EAST, CAST) effectively correlate with observed field degradation patterns, validating their utility in predicting long-term module performance.
What research method was used?: Experimental and Comparative Analysis with Over 195 modules (60+ field-retrieved, 135+ mini-modules, 30+ commercial).
How strong is the evidence?: Evidence strength is rated Strong effect, based on a 2022 journal from Academic Publication.
What should I do differently in my next project?: When selecting materials for solar energy projects, prioritize glass/glass module designs and investigate the use of advanced encapsulants (e.g., POE) over traditional EVA, based on their demonstrated superior reliability in accelerated testing.
What are the limitations?: The study's findings are based on accelerated testing; long-term field performance may still reveal unforeseen degradation pathways. The specific types and brands of materials used could influence results, and a broader range might be needed for universal conclusions.