News Article
DuPont PV5400 series reduces cost and increases strength of CIGS modules
The novel formulation boosts efficiency in copper indium gallium (di)selenide solar sells
Axuntek Solar Energy is introducing its new IEC-certified CIGS thin film solar cell modules using DuPont PV5400 series ionomer encapsulant.
These frameless solar modules, which are the first adoption of DuPont PV5400 into CIGS technology, take advantage of the ionomer’s excellent clarity and low moisture ingress, which combine to create a highly efficient module with a low cost position due to the elimination of edge seal and frame. The frameless module allows higher density module shipments, reducing shipping costs
. Axuntek’s new frameless IEC-certified CIGS thin film solar cell modules are enabled by DuPont PV5400 series ionomer encapsulants
“The use of the DuPont PV5400 series ionomer encapsulants in CIGS modules demonstrates multiple benefits of the ionomer encapsulant’s inherent qualities,” says Penny Perry, global marketing manager, DuPont PV Encapsulants. “It provides strength to enable a frameless design, transparency for more design flexibility and ensures more power output over the life of the module.”
“The performance level of the PV5400 encapsulant was a key factor in these frameless solar modules receiving IEC certification,” says Ray Lin, sales and marketing manager, Axuntek. “CIGS technology offers the potential to reach higher efficiencies than other thin film technologies, and the choice of encapsulant is important to ensure the highest level of performance and long-term durability. DuPont PV5400 not only increases the modules’ durability and production efficiency, but can significantly enhance their long-term power-generating efficiency.”
DuPont says its PV5400 Series is an ideal choice for use with CIGS technology. It is claimed to have excellent UV resistance and does not generate free acid under degradation conditions.
As a thermoplastic, it does not require cross-linking and thus has no peroxide or other degradation-inducing additives. The UV stability of ionomers is well demonstrated in its use for more than 15 years as a high-performing interlayer in architectural applications.
As it is up to 100 times stiffer and 5 times stronger than traditional thin film laminating materials, DuPont PV5400 encapsulant also minimies module deflection and increases mechanical strength.
The use of DuPont PV5400 can facilitate the design of modules for high strength applications, as well as meeting building codes for building-integrated window structures. Making use of the good clarity of the ionomer/glass combination, the cell spacing can be adjusted to create “see-through” frameless modules that appeal to the end-user’s aesthetic sense.
DuPont photovoltaic encapsulants are part of a broad and growing portfolio of products represented by DuPont Photovoltaic Solutions (DPVS), which connects science and technology from across the company on a global scale to help support the dramatic growth in th
