Eva Discoloration Solar Panels

Eva or ethylene vinyl acetate is used as an encapsulant in crystalline silicon pv modules.

Eva discoloration solar panels.

Acetic acid and other volatile organic components are also produced from the. However discolored eva encapsulant is reported to cause a loss of light transmission to the solar cells leading to loss in power production by up to 0 5 a year by average or up to 1 a year in subtropical climates and this loss can be as high as 10 a year in case of mirror concentrated pv systems in desert conditions. Solar panel discolouration yellowing and browning occurs when exposed to sunlight in the first few years. As a result the eva starts turning to a yellow or brown colour.

Discoloration itself may not be directly related to power performance of pv modules. The eva discoloration is caused by the formation of polyconjugated c c sub n sub double bonds of various lengths. Essentially an acetic acid formation is the problem but not too blame. Identifying early stage discoloration in the ethylene vinyl acetate eva copolymer encapsulants used for crystalline solar module lamination can spot panel degradation before power output is.

First let s talk about what solar panel discoloration is and why it occurs. Eva browning is defined as a change in color of the eva film. There are two main. We ll get to that.

Browning in the modules happen when certain additives used to prevent browning and enhance uv tolerance start to disappear after losing strength against uv rays.