Photovoltaic panel interface seal to prevent water leakage

Can a PIB-based edge seal prevent moisture from contacting photovoltaic components?

To prevent moisture from contacting photovoltaic components, impermeable frontsheets and backsheets are used with a polyisobutylene (PIB)-based edge seal material around the perimeter. Here, we evaluate the ability of a PIB-based edge seal using a molecular sieve desiccant to keep moisture out for the expected module lifetime.

Are photovoltaic modules sensitive to water?

Often photovoltaic modules are constructed with materials that are sensitive to water. This is most often the case with thin film technologies, including perovskite cells, where the active layers are a few microns thick and can be sensitive to moisture, liquid water or both.

How does water affect a PV module?

Once water comes into the PV module, the accumulated moisture within the module in the presence of other climatic stressors can lead to all forms of degradation modes in PV module’s components and other packaging materials (Ballif et al., 2014, Kudriavtsev et al., 2019, Wohlgemuth and Kempe, 2013).

What is a solar panel sealant?

The special sealant is based on a product developed by U.S.-based Dow Corning for solar panel frame sealing. Its creators claim the new solution is able to make damaged panels recover high insulation resistance and operate normally. Silicone caulk can be used as a basic sealant against water and air penetration.

Can EVA encapsulants reduce moisture in PV modules?

As such, EVA with lower VA contents can limit the ingression of moisture into PV modules. In another study, Czyzewicz and Smith (2011) developed ionomer-based encapsulants with superior electrical, mechanical and moisture barrier properties with a possibility of making modules without supplementary edge seals.

How does a multicrystalline silicon PV module leak current?

In a conventional multicrystalline silicon PV module, the possible conduits for leakage current from the module frame to the solar cells (or vice versa) are via the surface and bulk of the front glass and encapsulation (Luo et al., 2017, Yamaguchi et al., 2020).