Repair of the back coating of photovoltaic panels

Can a new PV solution fix backsheet cracking?

In this pv magazine Webinar, we examine the size of the problem and take a look at a new solution from Dow that promises a speedy repair for damaged backsheets. In Germany alone, experts have estimated that as much as 10 GW of deployed PV capacity could be affected by backsheet cracking.

What is after-market backsheet coating?

The after-market backsheet coating is applied as a spray or using a squeegee. Testing under harsh environmental conditions has shown it to be an effective solution to repair cracked backsheets, and the coating will come under further expert scrutiny during this pv magazine Webinar.

What happens if a PV panel is replaced?

If voltage or current differs on a replacement panel, it cannot simply be integrated into an existing string and new electrical layouts need to be made, which involves planning and engineering work. DuPont has come to the rescue with its PV Rescue Tape, at a fraction of the cost of panel replacement.

Does backsheet cracking affect PV capacity?

In Germany alone, experts have estimated that as much as 10 GW of deployed PV capacity could be affected by backsheet cracking. And other regions face a similar challenge, with the problem not confined to any particular deployment conditions or even a single backsheet material.

What happens if a PV module cracks & degrades?

When the polymer backsheet that protects the rear side of a PV module starts to crack and degrade, loss of performance can be both rapid and severe. And thousands of modules deployed over the last decade are now thought to be vulnerable, making it a billion-dollar issue for PV asset owners.

Can silicone sealant protect solar module backsheets?

An Austrian-Belgian research group has developed a flowable silicone sealant that can be used to create an insulating and protective layer on damaged solar module backsheets. The scientists used a special sealant that is known as Dowsil 7094 Flowable Sealant and which is produced by U.S.-based silicone adhesives and sealants provider Dow Corning.