Practical new materials for photovoltaic brackets

Are new materials a technology risk for the photovoltaic cell and module industry?

This presents a technology risk for the industry. This report provides a global survey from IEA PVPS member countries of efforts being made to design new materials for photovoltaic cell and module applications.

What materials are used for PV module frontsheets?

The most common material used for PV module frontsheets is low iron (<120 ppm Fe) float glass. Functional coatings are added to the surfaces of the glass to increase light adsorption (anti-reflective coatings) and/or to reduce the accumulation of dirt and debris on the module in the field (anti-soiling coatings).

What are the different types of photovoltaic (PV) applications?

There are many Photovoltaic (PV) applications, including Building Integrated Photovoltaics (BIPV), buildings with weight limitations, buildings with curved roof surfaces, or other outdoor portable applications, where flexible or conformable PV products would be beneficial.

Are flexible photovoltaics (PVs) beyond Silicon possible?

Recent advancements for flexible photovoltaics (PVs) beyond silicon are discussed. Flexible PV technologies (materials to module fabrication) are reviewed. The study approaches the technology pathways to flexible PVs beyond Si. For the previous few decades, the photovoltaic (PV) market was dominated by silicon-based solar cells.

Can plastic substrates be used for flexible PV devices?

Among them, plastic (polymer) substrates have been widely used for conventional flexible PV devices. Plastic substrates have many advantages, such as good optical transmittance in the visible range, low cost, lightweight, and a simple design. Recently, many studies have focused on the use of plastic materials for flexible circuits [19, 20].

Why should we investigate new materials for PV modules?

There are several motivations for investigating new materials for PV modules. Reducing or replacing expensive materials is important for the overall economics of module production. For example, reducing the use of or replacing silver with copper or aluminum leads to a significant cost reduction for manufacturers.