Image credit: DuPont.
Efficiency, lifetime and overall system costs for photovoltaic (PV) modules are driven in large part by the materials specified in their production. In fact, advanced materials are more important than ever in helping today’s solar cell and module manufacturers differentiate their products with superior power output and longer life performance that deliver increased investment rates of return to PV system owners.
The layers in a solar panel play a critical role in electricity production and in the ability of the panel to withstand the stresses of both environmental impacts and prolonged service. In fact, in this solar panel “sandwich”, the ingredient materials will have a significant impact on the overall module performance.
Choosing solar panel materials from an established manufacturer with known performance parameters is key. The lifetime gains realized (and resulting financial benefit) greatly outweigh the incremental cost of higher quality materials.
There are actions you can take to mitigate your risk and help improve your investment certainty. Clearly, the more reliable the system lifetime is – and the power provided over that lifetime – the more reliable and certain the investment is.
Drawing on decades of experience researching, manufacturing and testing solar materials, DuPont offers best practices for solar array design, component selection and long-term maintenance. DuPont has made these available as a free-of-charge resource to interested EPCs, roof top installers and energy solutions providers.
This article was written by DuPont
