One of the most important factors in determining how well solar panels convert sunlight into electrical energy that can be used is its efficiency. In the solar energy sector, conventional silicon solar panels have long had a strong position in technology. On the other hand, solar EPE (Expanded Polyethylene) film has become a viable substitute. The goal of this article is to present a thorough examination of photovoltaic EPE film’s efficiency in comparison to conventional silicon solar panels.
Traditional Silicon Solar Panels’ Efficiency
For many years, conventional silicon solar panels have been widely utilized. They are typically composed of monocrystalline or polycrystalline silicon. The power conversion efficiency of these panels usually falls between 15% and 20%. Polycrystalline silicon panels have somewhat lower efficiency, averaging around 15% to 17%, compared to monocrystalline silicon panels, which typically provide greater efficiencies of about 18% to 20%.
At the moment, photovoltaic EPE film has a power conversion efficiency of 8% to 12%. To be more competitive with conventional silicon solar panels, EPE film is being developed with the goal of increasing its efficiency. It is crucial to remember that, while though EPE film may not be as efficient as silicon panels, in some applications its other benefits—such as flexibility, lightweight design, and aesthetic integration—may compensate the lower efficiency.
Elements Influencing Productivity
The efficiency of photovoltaic EPE film and conventional silicon solar panels is influenced by many factors:
a. Material Properties: A solar cell’s efficiency is directly impacted by its constituent materials’ bandgap, electron mobility, and capacity for light absorption. While EPE film is currently being developed to maximize material selections, silicon-based solar panels have well-established material features.
b. production Methods: The efficiency of silicon panels and EPE film is greatly influenced by the production methods used. Solar cells can perform better if the layer formation, doping, and deposition processes are well controlled.
c. Light Management: The effectiveness of solar panels is greatly dependent on their capacity to efficiently absorb and use sunlight. To optimize light absorption, silicon panels and EPE film use a variety of light-trapping and anti-reflection strategies.
Prospects and Difficulties for the Future
With improvements in materials, production processes, and device topologies, photovoltaic EPE film efficiency is predicted to rise in the upcoming years. Research is still being done to find new ways to enhance charge transport layers, tandem structures, and perovskite materials to increase the stability and power conversion efficiency of EPE film.
Nonetheless, there are still difficulties in reaching high efficiency while preserving cost-effectiveness, scalability, and durability. To ensure long-term performance, research is now being done on the stability of EPE film during prolonged exposure to sunshine, temperature changes, and environmental factors.
In conclusion, photovoltaic EPE film offers distinct benefits such flexibility, lightweight design, and aesthetically pleasing integration, even if standard silicon solar panels now have better efficiency. The efficiency of EPE film is between 8% and 12%, and further research is being done to increase this number. EPE film has the potential to broaden the spectrum of solar energy applications and complement conventional silicon panels as its efficiency increases. This is especially true in areas where flexibility and seamless integration are critical.
While EPE’s water resistance, weather resistance, and ultraviolet resistance are weaker than POE’s as a composite adhesive film, it still has POE’s strong PID resistance, non-slip properties, low bubble count, and high yield rate of transparent EVA adhesive film. Compared to translucent EVA film, the light transmittance, performance, and cost are all superior than those of POE film. Its market has grown quickly in light of the growing consumer demands for solar module power generating efficiency.
