For solar panels lamination, silicone sheets are becoming integral parts. The use of solar modules on the roofs of commercial buildings and on residential structures has increased rapidly over the last decade. Every year there are many new photovoltaic installations in homes and businesses. New solar projects were established every 5 minutes in the world.

This trend is likely to continue as companies, governments, and homeowners aim to conserve energy, contribute to environmental sustainability, and save money. Solar panels reduce the reliance on fossil fuels that emit greenhouse gasses into the atmosphere.

The challenge for the solar industry lies in selecting high-quality membranes for solar modules lamination that will not deteriorate. As a leading silicone sheet manufacturer, understanding how photovoltaic solar diaphragms work will help both thin-film and crystalline solar panel manufacturers make the right decisions about the options available to them.  

Components of Photovoltaic Solar Panels

Photovoltaic panels are made of several layers including glass and aluminum that surround the actual solar cell. A layer of ethylene-vinyl acetate (EVA) is used as an encapsulant to protect the highly sensitive solar cell. This is to sustain the cell’s power-generating abilities through long-term energy transfer, moisture accumulation, and the impact of ultraviolet (UV) rays.

However, EVA has some side effects. Outgassing from the EVA as it becomes thermoplastic can degrade silicone sheets and cause them to become brittle, and then fail.

So, what can be done to prevent EVA deterioration in photovoltaic silicone membranes?

Deer Hunter developed the 5th Generation silicone sheet for the solar laminator. This model is designed to resist the deterioration that results from EVA outgassing.

Its structure is constructed of two layers of material. One layer is made from hardness 60A silicone. The second layer is FKM material with durometer 70A, more resistant to the adverse effects of EVA.