Content:
- What is an IBC solar panel?
- What are the challenges of High-Temperature weather for solar panels?
- Why are IBC solar panels suitable for High-Temperature environment?
- What is the future of solar energy in high temperature environment?
What is an IBC solar panel?
IBC solar panels, standing for Interdigitated Back Contact, represent a cutting-edge technological advancement in solar energy. This method involves shifting the metallic connectors for the positive and negative poles of a solar cell to its backside. Such a revolutionary technique boosts both the efficiency and functionality of the solar cell. It achieves this by reorganizing the placement of the contacts, thereby enhancing electrical conduction and elevating the cell's overall capacity to convert energy effectively.
What are the challenges of high-temperature weather for solar panels?
Decreased Efficiency:
Exposure to high temperatures often results in a drop in the solar panels’ ability to convert sunlight into electricity efficiently. Silicon-based solar panels, in particular, tend to suffer a notable decline in efficiency under such conditions. This decline is largely due to increased temperature causing a rise in scattering losses among charge carriers, which slows electron movement and thus decreases the overall effectiveness of photovoltaic conversion.
Shape Distortion Due to Heat:
High temperatures can induce shape distortions in solar panels. Such distortions negatively impact the panels’ structural integrity and the performance of the materials used, ultimately affecting their mechanical stability.
Effects of Heat on Light Conversion:
Solar panels in hot climates are more vulnerable to the effects where sunlight is partly converted into heat, leading to a rise in panel temperature. This process creates a cycle where the increased temperature further exacerbates the problem, increasing the likelihood of the panels overheating.
Loss of Electrolyte:
In certain solar cell types, elevated temperatures can cause a depletion of the electrolyte, affecting both the stability and efficiency of the cells. This issue is especially critical in specific types of cells, such as dye-sensitized solar cells.
Shortened Service Life:
Continual operation in high temperatures can hasten the aging of solar panels, thereby shortening their useful life. The primary reason for this is that high temperatures quicken the degradation of materials and increase the wear and tear on the solar cells’ internal components.
Why are IBC solar panels suitable for high-Temperature environment?
Advantageous Temperature Coefficient
IBC solar panels are distinguished by their low-temperature coefficient, which is a measure of how the panel’s performance adjusts with each degree Celsius change in operating temperature. This low coefficient indicates a lower sensitivity of the panel’s electrical efficiency to temperature variations. For instance, an IBC solar panel with a temperature coefficient of -0.29%/°C means that its peak power output diminishes by 0.29% for every one-degree Celsius increase in temperature above the standard test condition of 25°C.
Comparative Analysis of Power Degradation in High-Temperature Conditions (PERC vs. IBC at 40°C):
IBC Solar Panels (Temperature Coefficient: 0.29%/°C):
Temperature increase: 80°C – 25°C = 55°C.
Power Reduction = 55°C × 0.29%/°C = 15.95%.
PERC Solar Panels (Temperature Coefficient: 0.34%/°C):
Temperature increase: 55°C.
Power Reduction = 55°C × 0.34%/°C = 18.7%.
At high temperatures, the power degradation for IBC and PERC panels are 15.95% and 18.7% respectively, showcasing IBC’s superior capacity to retain performance in extreme heat. As temperatures escalate, the gap in performance between these two types of panels widens, making IBC the preferred option in hot climates.
Exceptional Resistance to Thermal Stress
“Good weathering resistance” or exceptional thermal stress resistance refers to a solar panel’s ability to sustain performance and stability in varied climatic conditions, including intense heat. This quality is vital as solar panels are expected to function in diverse environmental conditions.
IBC panels’ innovative design, featuring full back-contact, plays a pivotal role in their thermal stress resilience. This design moves the positive and negative electrodes to the back of the panel, thereby eliminating front-side ribbons and metal grid lines, significantly reducing thermal stress.
IBC panels, free from front-side metal grid lines and ribbons, undergo less thermal expansion and contraction with temperature changes, enhancing stability and longevity.
Moreover, this design optimizes current flow within the solar cell due to improved back-side electrode contact, reducing resistive losses and boosting overall performance.
LeTID Effect
LeTID, or Light and Elevated Temperature Induced Degradation, notably affects solar panels under light exposure and high-temperature conditions, potentially decreasing their performance and longevity.
Why IBC Panels Excel in Anti-LeTID Performance:
1. Electrode Placement: IBC panels’ rear-positioned electrodes reduce the formation of charge-capturing centers on the cell surface, which are defects or impurities that trap charges and impair cell performance. This rear placement mitigates the LeTID effect.
2. Uniform Current Distribution: The cross-arrangement of electrodes in IBC panels promotes even current spread across the cell surface, diminishing the risk of localized hotspots and LeTID. This contrasts with other designs that may concentrate current in certain areas, heightening the LeTID risk.
PVF Film
IBC solar panels, characterized by their Interdigitated Back Contact design, incorporate a TPE backsheet layered with a PVF (Tedlar) film and reinforced with an EPE adhesive film, enhancing their suitability for high-temperature conditions.
Benefits of this Design Include:
1. Enhanced Thermal Stability: The PVF film, known for its high thermal stability, ensures consistent performance and structural integrity even in high-temperature settings. This feature enables the panels to function effectively in hot conditions, reducing the likelihood of performance loss.
2. Moisture Resistance: The TPE backsheet of these panels displays a low propensity for water absorption, minimizing the chance of moisture seeping into the panels. In hot environments, this characteristic is crucial as moisture penetration can impair panel performance, but the low water permeability of these materials mitigates this risk.
3. Temperature-Resistant Adhesive: The specially formulated EPE adhesive film is designed to resist high temperatures, maintaining its integrity and shape even under thermal stress. This property is essential for preserving the panels' shape and functionality in hot climates.
What is the future of solar energy in high temperature environment?
1. Improved Adaptability to Heat:
IBC panels demonstrate enhanced stability under high temperatures when compared to standard solar panels. Their unique design effectively reduces internal resistance and thermal loss, thus preserving a higher rate of energy conversion even at elevated temperatures.
2. Superior Energy Conversion:
The IBC technology significantly boosts the photovoltaic conversion efficiency of these panels. Unlike traditional panels, which may falter in high heat, IBC panels are adept at overcoming such challenges, ensuring more consistent energy conversion.
3. Proven Effectiveness in Real-World Conditions:
IBC solar panels have shown remarkable success in hot weather conditions, backed by practical application data. These real-world examples underline the exceptional capability of IBC technology to perform optimally in demanding high-temperature scenarios.
The project is located on a rooftop in Germany. Click on the image to learn more.
Since 2008, Maysun Solar has been specializing in manufacturing high-quality photovoltaic modules. Choose from our large selection of full black, black frame, silver, and glass-glass solar panels. These panels are made using MBB, IBC, and shingled technologies. These panels provide superior performance and stylish designs, which will blend in well with any building. Maysun Solar has established offices, warehouses, and long-term relationships with outstanding installers in many nations! For the latest solar panel pricing or any questions about photovoltaics, please contact us. We are eager to provide you with assistance.
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