Finding durable solar panels is as simple as examining the Bill of Materials

Facebook
Twitter
LinkedIn
Reddit
Email
Image credit: DuPont.

SPONSORED: Photovoltaic system lifetime is key to ensuring investment returns. The more reliable the system lifetime is, the more reliable and certain the investment. With long-term investment returns in mind, it is important to pay careful attention to the system’s bill of materials (BoM), component design and manufacturing practices. Materials that are proven to deliver longer-term performance can help mitigate risk and improve return on investment.

Materials specification in the past involved proven technologies and quality was not a concern for system owners. In fact, system owners were not expected to be an expert in PV systems materials technology. Consolidation in the solar industry and the efforts in the value chain to make cost-effective decisions and maintain profitability have driven short-term decisions that could have long-term performance implications. The short-term focus could result in both lower quality and lower performing materials being specified.

This article requires Premium SubscriptionBasic (FREE) Subscription

Unlock unlimited access for 12 whole months of distinctive global analysis

Photovoltaics International is now included.

  • Regular insight and analysis of the industry’s biggest developments
  • In-depth interviews with the industry’s leading figures
  • Unlimited digital access to the PV Tech Power journal catalogue
  • Unlimited digital access to the Photovoltaics International journal catalogue
  • Access to more than 1,000 technical papers
  • Discounts on Solar Media’s portfolio of events, in-person and virtual

Or continue reading this article for free

This decision making shifts more risk to PV system owners who may experience far faster power degradation and decreased system lifetime vs. what might be anticipated regarding long-term system performance. Today’s industry consolidation means that the module manufacturer that supplied your system may not be around long-term. Increased awareness of your system’s bill of materials, component design and manufacturing practices helps ensure durability and reliability is designed into your system.

Selecting the appropriate BoM is a key factor in ensuring the durability and reliability of solar panels. Extensive field observations and laboratory testing to determine which solar panel materials withstand the test of time has led to the development of a list of BoM recommendations to make the decision-making process easy-to-understand.

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.

To access this free resource click here.

This article was written by DuPont.

20 March 2024
10am CET
Why attend this webinar: Gain insights into the eArc’s ground-breaking design and technical specifications, learn more about the technology’s numerous applications, particularly in C&I settings previously excluded from solar installations. Understand how the eArc could help boost the C&I market by opening up further opportunities for companies to self-generate solar power

Read Next

Subscribe to Newsletter

Upcoming Events

Solar Media Events
March 19, 2024
Texas, USA
Solar Media Events
March 26, 2024
Lisbon, Portugal
Solar Media Events
April 10, 2024
Dallas, Texas USA