By Shencun Wang & Xiang Sun, BYD; Yujian Wu & Yanxia Huang, Dow Corning (China) Holding Co; Nick Shephard, Dow Corning Corporation; Guy Beaucarne, Dow Corning Europe
Double-glass PV modules are emerging as a technology which can deliver excellent performance and excellent durability at a competitive cost. In this paper a glass–glass module technology that uses liquid silicone encapsulation is described. The combination of the glass–glass structure and silicone is shown to lead to exceptional durability. The concept enables safe module operation at a system voltage of 1,500V, as well as innovative, low-cost module mounting through pad bonding.