What is a double glass (Dual Glass) solar panel?

A double glass (Dual Glass) solar panel is a glass-glass module structure where a glass layer is used on the back of the modules instead of the traditional polymer backsheet. Double glass solar panels were originally heavy and expensive, but the lighter polymer backing panels gained most of the market share.

Why are double glass modules symmetrical?

Mechanical constraints on cells: the fact that the structure of the double glass modules is symmetrical implies that the cells are located on a so-called neutral line, the upper part of the module being in compression during a downward mechanical load and the lower glass surface being in tension.

What is a dual-glass module?

Dual-glass type modules (also called double glass or glass-glass) are made up of two glass surfaces, on the front and on the rear with a thickness of 2.0 mm each. Some manufacturers, in order to reduce the weight of the modules, have opted for a thickness of 1.6 mm. DualSun has chosen to stay with a thickness of 2.0 mm for reasons explained below.

What is a double glass c-Si PV module?

Recently several double-glass (also called glass–glass or dual-glass modules) c-Si PV modules have been launched on the market, many of them by major PV manufacturers. These modules use a sheet of tempered glass at the rear of the module instead of the conventional polymer-based backsheet. There are several reasons why this structure is appealing.

What is the thickness of a glass module?

The thickness of the front glass generally used for this type of structure is 3.2 mm. Dual-glass type modules (also called double glass or glass-glass) are made up of two glass surfaces, on the front and on the rear with a thickness of 2.0 mm each.

What changes have been made in glass-glass modules?

In the case of Glass-Glass modules, an important change has been made by replacing EVA with polyolefins as an encapsulating substance. This is due to the free radicals generated during the EVA cross-link lamination process. Traditional backsheets are somewhat permeable to free radicals, but the double glass module is not.