Hello, I have a question about DIY solar that I couldn't find the answer to anywhere else, it seems that good solar performance could be obtained using just PVA (Edit: EVA) or UV stabilized epoxy encapsulation alone so why use glass at all? It seems to me that all glass does is add weight, cost and heat retention. Opinions? Thanks, Aron
Why use glass at all? Isn't PVA enough?
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Hello, I have a question about DIY solar that I couldn't find the answer to anywhere else, it seems that good solar performance could be obtained using just PVA or UV stabilized epoxy encapsulation alone so why use glass at all? It seems to me that all glass does is add weight, cost and heat retention. Opinions? Thanks, Aron
That same rigidity can help reduce flexing from wind loads when only the edges are supported.
It adds protection from mechanical damage (hail, birds, nuts, etc.)
A thick enough layer of epoxy to provide protection will cost a lot more than glass and will absorb or reflect more light.SunnyBoy 3000 US, 18 BP Solar 175B panels. -
It adds rigidity, which is necessary since the cells are brittle and fragile.
That same rigidity can help reduce flexing from wind loads when only the edges are supported.
It adds protection from mechanical damage (hail, birds, nuts, etc.)
A thick enough layer of epoxy to provide protection will cost a lot more than glass and will absorb or reflect more light.
edit: here's a site that makes glass free panels, I'm not sure how they do it or what the cost is: sunshineworks.com/thin-solar-panels. (edit: somebody broke the link, for those wondering the product was "Neutron 123 Watt Glass Free Thin Solar Panels")Comment
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So far the experience with solar shingles has been pretty unsatisfactory. Either they are too hard to install, not durable enough or do not maintain their output well enough. The first marketers of these gave up after awhile. There is now an attempt to get the product going again, but it is not clear yet what, if anything, is different.SunnyBoy 3000 US, 18 BP Solar 175B panels.Comment
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Those appear to be an accident waiting to happen.
No approvals, listing or warranty noted.NABCEP certified Technical Sales Professional
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