Functional Films in Solar Energy Applications

Backsheets for Solar Panels

Backsheets are the outermost protective layer of solar panels, providing critical defense against harsh environmental conditions. DuPont's Tedlar® PVF film-based backsheets have been the industry standard for over 30 years, protecting solar panels in diverse climates such as deserts, tropical locations, and mountainous terrains. These backsheets offer excellent UV resistance, thermal stability, and mechanical strength, ensuring the panels' longevity and performance. For example, TPT backsheets provide superior protection against UV, thermal, moisture, and mechanical stress, while TPE backsheets offer a balanced set of properties for general-purpose applications.

Encapsulant Films

Encapsulant films are essential for protecting photovoltaic (PV) cells from environmental degradation. 3M's Solar Encapsulant Film EVA9100 is designed for easy manufacturing and high resistance to potential-induced degradation (PID). This film protects against UV damage and weathering while allowing broad-band light transmission, ensuring optimal performance of the PV modules. Similarly, Yparex® crosslinking encapsulant film from The Compound Company offers outstanding protection against weathering and corrosion, enhancing the durability and efficiency of solar PV modules.

Front Sheet Films

The front sheet of a solar panel is crucial for maximizing light transmission and protecting the cells. 3M's Ultra Barrier Solar Film is engineered to replace traditional glass in flexible thin-film solar panels. This film provides high light transmission, excellent moisture barrier performance, and superior weatherability, making it ideal for flexible Copper Indium Gallium Selenide (CIGS), Cadmium Telluride (CdTe), and Organic Photovoltaic (OPV) modules. It also reduces installation time, eliminates the need for metal racking, and lowers manufacturing costs compared to glass-glass modules.

Edge Sealants

Edge sealants are vital for protecting solar panels from moisture ingress and ensuring long-term performance. SolarGain® Edge Sealant is a desiccated butyl/polyisobutylene (PIB) sealant that has been trusted by PV module manufacturers for over 20 years. It provides excellent UV resistance, thermal stability, and long-term protection, retaining adhesion even after exposure to extreme UV conditions. This sealant is available in both pumpable and pre-extruded tape formats, making it suitable for high-volume production and various module designs.

Protective Films

Protective films enhance the durability and efficiency of solar panels by providing additional layers of defense against environmental factors and physical damage. IMPAK Corporation's FlexxiGlass™ is a 3.2 mil clear flexible film that offers moisture barrier properties comparable to robust foil structures, while also being lightweight and transparent. These films can block harmful UV radiation, prevent abrasion and corrosion, and improve light absorption by reducing glare and reflection.