Since a single piece of solar cell is too small in output power to meet conventional power requirements, it needs to be encapsulated as a solar module to increase its output power. Encapsulation is a key step in the production of solar cells. Without a good encapsulation process, even the best solar cells cannot produce good solar modules. The encapsulation of the solar cell not only ensures the life of the solar cell, but also enhances the attack strength of the solar cell. The high quality and longevity of the product is the key to winning customer satisfaction, so the encapsulation quality of solar modules is very important.

Purpose of encapsulation

1) Prevent solar cells from being damaged. The reason why crystalline silicon solar cells are easily damaged: crystalline silicon solar cells are brittle; silicon solar cells are large; silicon solar cells are very thin.

 

2) Prevent solar cells from being corroded and failing. The natural resistance of solar cells is poor: solar cells will be exposed to air for a long time, and efficiency will be attenuated; solar cells will have poor resistance to ultraviolet rays; solar cells cannot withstand damage caused by excessive mechanical stress caused by external forces such as hail; solar cell surface’s metallization layer is susceptible to corrosion; after the surface of the solar cell is dusty, it is difficult to remove. 

 

3) Meet the load requirements. Solar cells are connected in series or in parallel to form a single unit that can be used independently as a power source. Since the output power of a single piece of solar cell is difficult to meet the conventional power demand, it is necessary to connect them in series or in parallel and then access the power supply.

 

Here, we briefly introduce the solar panels of different encapsulation methods and their respective characteristics.

 

Tempered glass laminated solar panel

Features: robust and long lasting, 10 years above lifespan

Solar panel structure: Tempered glass / EVA / Solar Cell / EVA / Backsheet (TPT)

 

PET laminated solar panel

Features: thin and portable, approx. 2 - 3 years’ lifespan

Solar panel structure: PET film / EVA / Solar Cell / EVA / Backsheet (PCB)

 

ETFE laminated solar panel

Features: thin and portable, approx. 5 years above lifespan

Solar panel structure: ETFE film/ EVA / Solar Cell / EVA / Backsheet (PCB