Long-term performance

Function:

The glass pane forms the closed front face of the photovoltaic module, protecting all of the components behind it from weathering and mechanical stresses, whilst simultaneously acting as a carrier material during the lamination process.

WINAICO quality components:

WINAICO only uses highly transmissive facing glass for its modules. High transmission increases the efficiency of photovoltaic modules and therefore has a direct influence on the performance and the yield of the finished module. A low iron content in the glass composition and an anti-reflective coating additionally act to reduce the absorption of the applied radiation energy.
In addition to high transmission rates, the glass used by WINAICO is also well resistant to mechanical loads and temperature changes.

Function:

The module frame plays an elementary role. On the one hand it protects the laminate inside against thermal and mechanical stresses, whilst it also serves as a fixing point for attachment to the substructure.

WINAICO quality components:

The unique frame on the WINAICO modules comprises a 6-series extruded aluminium frame. This frame variant, produced fully from aluminium, guarantees the maximum in stability and protection against material fatigue. The rounded corner elements provide for greater torsional stiffness and waterproofing in the critical corner areas, where the material is at its weakest. In contrast to corner joints with mitred cuts or threaded connections, WINAICO corner elements guarantee the optimum transfer of tension between the individual frame sections.

Function:

EVA films (ethylene vinyl acetate) are used in order to connect the solar cells together with the glass surface, with the aid of a lamination process. This step ensures the “encapsulation” of the solar module, which holds the PV module together and has a fundamental influence on the service life. The degree of cross-linking within the EVA film after the lamination process is a decisive indicator of the quality of the solar module.

WINAICO quality components:

EVA film must guarantee an insulating and protective effect throughout the entire service life of the module. Lower quality films may lead in the long term to discolouration, delamination or degradation, and thereby to a severe inhibition of the module’s performance. WINAICO therefore uses quality films exclusively with a cross-linking of at least 85%, thereby ensuring permanent protection of the cells.

Function:

Solar cells convert sunlight directly into electrical energy, and are therefore the generator within the module. The characteristics of a solar module are determined by the quality of the cells and consequently by the characteristics of the silicon used.

WINAICO quality components:

WINAICO only uses highly efficient cells with the lowest possible variance in the manufacturing process, and thereby optimises the reproducibility of the cell arrangement. This is a decisive factor for the even cell quality of the WINAICO WSP range and for stable yields. High shunt resistances and filling factors in the cells used result in good energy yields, in particular with low irradiation levels. WINAICO is also careful in its choice of cells for this reason.

Function:

The most important functions of backing film include acting as a vapour barrier, physically protecting the wiring and other sensitive components, providing electrical insulation and reducing the cell operating temperature.

WINAICO quality components:

When selecting the backing film, WINAICO uses Tedlar® films exclusively. These films are renowned primarily for their excellent weather resistance. As such, the films exhibit a high diffusion resistance – water vapour is unable to penetrate to the cells – and improved thermal conductivity. Today, Tedlar® is the only film that has proven itself capable of providing reliable protection to photovoltaic modules throughout their entire service life, spanning over 25 years.

Function:

The primary function of the photovoltaic connection socket is to pass on the power generated within the module. Bypass diodes protect the module against increased voltage and consequently also against so-called hot spot effects.

WINAICO quality components:

The connection socket used for the WINAICO WSP range is compliant with the relevant protection class IP65 and therefore provides optimum protection against moisture, dirt and UV radiation. The socket - equipped with three bypass diodes - can also be opened in the event of damage, therefore preventing the requirement for module replacement.

Function:

The adhesive tape delivers the necessary physical and electrically insulating characteristics, as well as providing the requisite moisture barrier. In contrast to silicon seals, the adhesive tapes are extremely resistant to energy in the form of heat or UV light, as well as chemical attacks, e.g. from ammoniac.

WINAICO quality components:

The adhesive core of the sealing tape selected by WINAICO provides excellent sealing protection against dirt and moisture, is highly UV resistant, provides particular protection against high and low temperatures and balances any expansion of the materials connected with each other (glass, aluminium) strain-free. The result is more resistant and durable adhesion.