EVA encapsulation is the essential component of a solar panel, safeguarding it from physical damage and environmental changes. The EVA solar panel sheets act as a protective barrier against moisture and air. A solar panel consists of different components that improve the working efficiency of solar cells. An ideal PV module has an EVA solar encapsulant sheet, backsheet, glass sheet, and protective frame.
The Ethylene Vinyl Acetate (EVA) sheet sandwiches the solar cell from above and below, making it durable and resistant to damage. A strong adhesive bond is formed at the top and bottom of the cell, back sheet covers the solar cell that faces the mounting surface, offering additional protection and stability.
Your decision to invest in solar energy is commendable. While you support the Green Earth initiative and help in sustainable energy growth, you also ensure long-term savings in your energy expenses. However, to safeguard this investment, understanding EVA solar panel encapsulation becomes imperative. EVA solar panel encapsulation is not just a preventative measure, but critical for the longevity of your solar investment.
What is EVA Solar Panels Encapsulation?
The Ethylene Vinyl Acetate film is commonly used in the Photo-Voltaic (PV) industry. It is a thermoplastic polymer film with good radiation transmission capacity, resists temperature fluctuations, and improves performance. Ethylene Vinyl Acetate (EVA) is a milky-white color polymer having a rubbery texture. It is preferred for solar cell encapsulation due to its strong adhesive, thermal stability, and age-resistance properties.
On heating the transparent sheet even spread across the cell acting as an insulator for solar cells. The gases cannot enter the cell and thus prevent oxidation of the cell during its regular functioning.
The EVA Solar encapsulants prevent dirt and humidity from penetrating the silicon wafer and act as a barrier. The silicon cells can easily move across the glass and solar back sheet. The cells can withstand thermal shocks, and vibrations thus protecting the electrical unit from damage.
Key Features of Solar Encapsulants
- Optical Transmission: Maintains energy output by preventing dust blockage.
- Heat Resistance: Protects cells from temperature changes.
- Mechanical Strength: Supports cells under constant stress, increasing lifespan.
- Prevents Oxidation: Resists corrosion, preserving power generation.
- Electric Insulation: Safeguards against electrical faults and lightning.
- Strong Adhesion: Bonds firmly with glass/backsheets for panel integrity.
These features ensure solar panels remain efficient and durable, maximizing their performance and longevity in various environmental conditions.
Advantages of EVA solar encapsulants and protecting your solar investment
The role of EVA sheets in solar panels is similar to the smartphone screen guard which protects the sensitive touch screen from damage or scratches and keeps it running smoothly. There are numerous benefits of using EVA solar encapsulant sheets:
#1 Maximum exposure for better sunlight transmission:
The EVA sheets are preferred for their maximum radiation transmission capacity. Sunlight can easily pass through the EVA sheet, allowing the solar cell to absorb maximum solar energy. Meanwhile, the sheets protect the panel from mechanical stress at high temperatures. It is better to position solar panels in a direction that allows maximum sunlight exposure.
#2 Low degradability rate for longevity:
The EVA sheet protects the solar panel from external environmental changes, dirt, dust, wind, and moisture. The complete solar encapsulant acts as a protective layer against water, humidity, and leakage. All these factors degrade the solar cell’s working efficiency and require regular repair and maintenance.
#3 Compact encapsulation:
The lamination process encapsulates the crystalline silicon cell with the EVA sheet. It creates an adhesive bond with TPT (Tedlar-PET-Tedlar composite film) as the lower protective layer close to the solar back sheet and glass as the upper protective layer. The whole structure becomes durable and gains strength to work in adverse climates.
#4 Minimal Shrinkage for Solar Cells:
Minimal shrinkage occurs during the lamination of EVA sheets over the solar cells, keeping the solar module design intact. Since solar cells are sensitive, a high shrinkage rate can damage the cell unit or cause leakage. A robust solar encapsulant unit allows better energy absorption and protects the cell from external stress.
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#5 Protection from harsh UV rays:
UV rays damage the solar cells. We require EVA sheets that are resistant to UV rays and do not disrupt the solar panel working. Earlier thermoplastic EVA sheets used for encapsulation lacked UV protection but with technology advancement now we offer EVA sheets that offer UV resistance. The glass layer provides additional safety.
#6 Withstand against wide temperature:
The EVA sheets can transmit 90% of light and offer resistance at high temperatures of 85°C and low temperatures of – 40°C. The EVA solar panel has great stability and minimal thermal expansion and contraction of cells. It prevents the aging and cracking of solar cells, providing effective power generation.
Application of Solar Encapsulant on PV Modules
The solar EVA film market is expected to reach $6.9 billion by 2032, exhibiting a CAGR of 11.58% during the forecast period from 2021 to 2032.
In the solar industry, cross-linkable ethylene vinyl acetate films are used for solar cell encapsulation. These EVA adhesive sheets are made of thermoplastic glue that gets soft on heating and solidifies on cooling, providing a strong cohesion between the two materials.
Using a lamination machine, EVA sheets laminate the top and bottom of the solar cell under compression in a vacuum. The whole process happens at a high temperature of 150°C. The EVS sheet acts as a layer of protection and restricts dirt, dust, or water from entering the cell. The solar encapsulant offers long durability and high-power output.
Anti-ultraviolet agents, antioxidants, and curing chemicals are commonly incorporated into an EVA film that typically ranges in thickness from 0.4 to 0.6 mm. (380 to 600 GSM). These elements play a crucial role in the sealing and bonding between the EVA sheet, glass, and back sheet.
Choose Vishakha Renewables for EVA Solar Panel Encapsulation
Vishakha Renewables EVA solar panel sheets provide high protection against environmental damage and increase solar module performance. The solar panels are conveyors of green energy and our EVS sheet takes care of these modules.
We have been working in the solar industry for many years and serving our clients with the best EVA solar encapsulants. We are committed to providing high-quality solar panel equipment in India.
Our team has created EVA solar encapsulant sheets that ensure longer life and improved energy output of the solar cells. Our EVA polymer sheets are manufactured using a blending of chemicals, under a controlled environment. Additionally, we offer a warranty on our EVA sheets, guaranteeing optimal long-term returns on your solar investment.
So, embrace the future of energy with confidence, we at Vishakha Renewables are dedicated to transforming your lifestyle through sustainable solutions and unparalleled solar proficiency.
