ALBANY, US: Momentive introduced its SilTRUST transparent silicone encapsulant material, a new transparent silicone encapsulant technology that ensures the long-lasting performance of solar energy photovoltaic (PV) modules in harsh outdoor environments, while improving the light-to-electricity conversion yield. Greater stress resistance, weatherability, corrosion protection and a longer life span with higher efficiency for crystalline silicon PV modules may result in higher longer-term return on investment for solar energy projects.
SilTRUST encapsulant can be used to surround the fragile solar cells of the PV module with a very flexible, stress dissipating silicone matrix that adheres well, SilTRUST silicone encapsulant materials offer module manufacturers a commercially viable way to produce crystalline silicon PV modules with a longer use life and better energy conversion efficiency.
“SilTRUST silicone encapsulation of solar cells has been shown to improve the efficiency and durability of solar panels while lowering manufacturing costs. In tests, this encapsulant material outperformed traditional encapsulant materials in PV applications. With our project collaborators, we have also developed a lower temperature, cost-effective module manufacturing process to offer flexibility in equipment and raw materials use as well as ease and speed in processing,” said Dr Alex Scholten, Global Program Leader, EcoEnergy, Momentive Performance Materials.
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