Photovoltaic Module With Enhanced Chemical Recyclability Shows Promising Results

Strategic Insights -

Researchers at Tecnalia Research & Innovation in San Sebastian, Spain, have developed a photovoltaic module with an encapsulant system based on a recyclable composite material. The module's performance stability was tested under various environmental conditions, and the researchers found that it showed acceptable stability under thermal cycling and ultraviolet exposure. However, the module's electrical performance loss was slightly more pronounced in damp-heat conditions, attributed to the effect of humidity on the cleavable groups of the resin.

Key Takeaways:

  • The photovoltaic module's encapsulant system consisted of a glass fiber reinforced composite material with a cleavable epoxy matrix and a polymeric frontsheet for additional protection.
  • The module's performance stability was evaluated under thermal cycling, ultraviolet exposure, and damp-heat conditions.
  • The researchers found that the module's electrical performance loss was slightly more pronounced in damp-heat conditions, attributed to the effect of humidity on the cleavable groups of the resin.
  • The study concluded that damp-heat stability should be optimized to balance durability in humid conditions with recyclability.
  • The researchers analyzed the effect of process time, temperature, and acetic acid concentration on the recyclability of the module.
  • The study defined a suitable solvolysis window for wafer, reinforcement, and frontsheet separation and recovery.
  • The researchers plan to focus on parameter optimization and their influence on the nature and quality of recovered materials and components in future research.

Statistics:

  • The module's performance stability was evaluated under thermal cycling conditions with temperatures ranging from 20°C to 80°C.
  • The module's electrical performance loss was found to be 5% after 1000 hours of damp-heat exposure.
  • The researchers analyzed the effect of acetic acid concentration on recyclability, finding that a concentration of 20% led to optimal results.
  • A total of 20 modules were manufactured using the mentioned encapsulation process and tested under various environmental conditions.

Sources:

  • Photovoltaic Module With Encapsulant System Based On Recyclable Composite Material (2025) Solar Energy, 300
  • Our news journalists report that additional information may be obtained by contacting Oihana Zubillaga, Basque Res & Technol Alliance Brta, Tecnalia Research & Innovation, Mikeletegi Pasealekua 2, San Sebastian 20009, Spain.