Not same as the bi-facial solar panels but double glass have a lot to offer

Glass is a super cooled liquid and is considered fragile and mostly used for its aesthetic value, but in the industry, it finds immense application because of its physical, chemical, and electrical property.

Properties of glass that make ideal for insulating solar panels

• Transparent
• Non-conductor of electricity
• Resistant to chemical reactions

Double glass solar panels are frame less solar panel modules with solar cells laminated between two sheets of glass of 2.5mm heat-strengthened glasses instead of the traditional polymer sheet.

How is it different from traditional solar panels?

The mono glass solar panels use glass on the upper side which faces the sun while the back is cover with a sheet often called back. On the other hand, the double glass panels use glass as on both of its sides.

Sometimes also compared to bi facial solar panels, double glass solar panel uses glass sheets on both sides while bifacial panels have solar cells installed on both their sides.

What are the advantages of double-glass solar panels?

The advantages of replacement of the dark back-sheet with glass exceed its impairment of being costlier and heavier than plastic support.

Durability

Contrary to the popular saying “glass, handle with care” glasses on the upper surface of the panel can withstand hailstorm.

Solarwatt, a German company claims that the sheet of thickness just 2mm on both sides of the panel will not be damaged even when hit by a hammer, and still weighing not more than the traditional solar panels.

Chemically Inert

Glasses are nonreactive towards many of the chemicals which make it an ideal replacement of the polymers. Moreover, the epoxy does not eat away the glass sheets, increasing the life of the panels

Flexing Stress

Open to stresses from nature standard panels sometimes bend which creates micro-cracks and reduces the conversion efficiency. As claimed by the manufacturers double glass solar panels are not affected as readily.

Reduced PID

PID stands for potential induced degradation. PID poses a serious threat to the output of the solar system with a drop of nearly 30% of its efficiency. PID occurs due to charge accumulation near the negative terminal of the solar cells. A larger installation needs to have larger solar modules working in series which leads to the high operation voltage that results in charge degradation.

Major paths for charge leakage:

1. from the front the side to the cell through the glass
2. from the side of the frame to the cell
3. from the backside of the frame to the cell

Double glass sheets seal out the moisture from the panel, decreasing the risk of PID.

Longer life

Longer life of the panels can be ensured as glass is giving protection against stress, chemical reactions, and PID. The average work life of such a solar cell is considered to be around 30 years.

Double Glass Panels Can Be Used As Roofing Material

Double glass panels can be used as roofing materials for structures, maintaining proper lighting conditions, and generating power simultaneously.