Comparison of different microclimate effects on the aging behavior of encapsulation materials used in photovoltaic modules

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Authors

External Organisational units

  • Polymer Competence Center Leoben GmbH

Abstract

The purpose of this work was the investigation of the influence of the microclimate on the ageing behavior of polymeric encapsulants for photovoltaic (PV) modules. Different types of encapsulation films were investigated. Single film and laminated samples were artificially aged under different conditions (with and without irradiation). The results showed that there is a strong influence of the microclimate on the aging behavior of polymeric encapsulant materials on the optical, chemical and morphological properties of the materials. Differences were even detectable in the unaged state between film and module samples after the production process. Not only has the sample set-up (film or laminated module sample) highly influenced the degradation of the encapsulants, but also the type of aging (dark aging or aging with irradiation).

Details

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)182-191
Number of pages10
JournalPolymer Degradation and Stability
Volume138.2017
Issue numberApril
Early online date14 Mar 2017
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 1 Apr 2017