The solar substrate or backsheet, usually composed of one or multiple types of polymers, serves as the final layer of the solar PV panel. With their multi-layer construction, these materials have outstanding durability. Featuring a weather-resistant outer layer, an electrically insulating core layer, and an adhesive inner layer, they are designed to withstand even the harshest conditions.
Solar array substrates play a crucial role in providing reliable support to solar cells, ensuring the seamless functioning of power systems aboard spacecraft. Typically, these structures have an ultra-lightweight design, exceptional stiffness, and a remarkable surface area.
Composition
PVF (polyvinyl fluoride) is typically used as the primary material for the outer layer. To address the increasing demand for cost reduction and improved backsheet durability, innovative PV backsheets have emerged, specifically, ones incorporating non-fluoropolymer outer layers. Among the various substrate materials available, some of the newer options are based on polyamides (PA) or polyesters. These include PET (polyethylene terephthalate) and PEN (polyethylene naphthalate), among others.
Also See: What is Polycrystalline Silicon?
What is Flexible Solar Substrate?
In solar panels, a flexible substrate refers to a material that serves as the foundation for solar cells and other vital components. The material used is flexible and can be shaped in various ways, giving more freedom and options for design.
There are various materials that can be used to create flexible substrates, such as polymers, metals, and ceramics. Polyethylene terephthalate (PET), polyimide (PI), and stainless steel are among the most frequently utilized flexible substrate materials in solar panels.
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