A Comparison of Emerging Nonfluoropolymer-Based Coextruded PV Backsheets to Industry-Benchmark Technologies

Michael Thuis, Naila Al Hasan, Rachael Arnold, Bruce King, Ashley Maes, David Miller, Jimmy Newkirk, Laura Schelhas, Archana Sinha, Kent Terwilliger, Sona Ulicna, Kurt Van Durme

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

8 Scopus Citations

Abstract

As the photovoltaic (PV) industry is rapidly expanding around the world, there has been an increasing interest in extending the lifespan of PV modules. Concern has also emerged regarding the recyclability of modules and their component materials, including fluoropolymer-based backsheets. Laminated polyethylene-terephthalate (PET) core backsheets have traditionally been used in the PV industry, but new, coextruded polyolefin (PO) backsheets show promise as an improved alternative. Minimodule and coupon samples of seven different backsheets (made of layers including contemporary PET and fluoropolymers, novel PO, and polyamide materials) were run through hygrometric- or UV photolytic-accelerated aging to identify and better understand each material's degradation modes and the backsheets' field reliability. In addition to the artificial aging, the natural weathering methods used in this article are described. The comprehensive set of chemical, mechanical, and structural characterizations at intermittent read points in this article is presented, including: visual appearance and color; gloss; mechanical tensile testing; I-V performance; electroluminescence (EL) imaging; dielectric breakdown; Fourier-transform infrared-chemical structure; X-ray-polymer structure; and differential scanning calorimetry-crystalline content. After 4000 h of aging, a strong correlation occurs between initial physical characteristics (mechanical tensile test) and operating performance (EL and I-V characteristics).

Original languageAmerican English
Pages (from-to)88-96
Number of pages9
JournalIEEE Journal of Photovoltaics
Volume12
Issue number1
DOIs
StatePublished - 2022

Bibliographical note

Publisher Copyright:
© 2011-2012 IEEE.

NREL Publication Number

  • NREL/JA-5K00-78973

Keywords

  • Backsheet
  • damp heat testing
  • durability
  • DuraMAT
  • IEC TS 62788-7-2
  • PET
  • polyolefin
  • UV weathering

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