Stability of black interconnect coatings for solar photovoltaic module applications

0579771 - FZÚ 2024 RIV NL eng J - Journal Article
Block, A.B. - Barretta, C. - Faes, A. - Virtuani, A. - Vlk, Aleš - Ledinský, Martin - Oreski, G. - Ballif, C.
Stability of black interconnect coatings for solar photovoltaic module applications.
Solar Energy Materials and Solar Cells. Roč. 262, Oct. (2023), č. článku 112540. ISSN 0927-0248. E-ISSN 1879-3398
EU Projects: European Commission(XE) 101084046 - PILATUS
Institutional support: RVO:68378271
Keywords : photovoltaics * black metallic ribbons * ink * yellowing * photodegradation * 2-Phenoxyethyl acrylate
OECD category: Condensed matter physics (including formerly solid state physics, supercond.)
Impact factor: 6.9, year: 2022
Method of publishing: Open access

Building-integrated photovoltaics are dual-purpose, providing both energy and building functions. Aesthetics play a crucial role in the BIPV market. Achieving this requires hiding ribbons and metal connections while not compromising durability, and ink coating offers a potential automated solution. This work presents a comparison of three coated metallic ribbons: one commercially pre-coated and two coated with UV-curable-inkjet printing. Glass/backsheet samples with standard or UV-blocking encapsulant were tested through accelerated ageing UV exposure. Results show that the commercially coated ribbons remain stable after 120 kWh/m2 of UV, but the UV-curable-inkjet tested inks show colour changes in the encapsulant surrounding metallic interconnects in all cases. Yellowing is attributed to the photodegradation of the ink's main component. However, PV module performance remains stable with less than 3% power loss after exposure to 360 kWh/m2 of UV.

Permanent Link: https://hdl.handle.net/11104/0348576