By Daniel Pohl, Head of the Corporate Communications Department, EuPD Research,
Competition in the premium sector is becoming more and more fierce. This is forcing PV module manufacturers to differentiate themselves through product benefits and better performance in terms of efficiency. While attention has previously been focused on cell technology, it is likely that, in the future, all module components will become part of this competition – a competition in which premium front glasses present an especially promising element. Antireflective coating (ARC) is only the beginning of this evolution. Not only do deeply textured front glasses promise significant increases in output – up to 7% – but their specific product characteristics also make them suitable for niche applications, such as airplane entry lanes and airport buildings. EuPD Research has issued a white paper devoted to solar glass, of which a synopsis is presented here.