Silicon PV coverplate
Silicon PV coverplate
(OP)
There do not seem to be too many photovoltaics people here, but if anyone can help me out:
Most crystalline (single and multi) silicon solar panels I've seen have a patterned coverplate. What exactly is the reasoning for using patterned glass?
I have my own thoughts on this but I'll keep quiet for now, I want to hear what others have to say.
Thanks!
Most crystalline (single and multi) silicon solar panels I've seen have a patterned coverplate. What exactly is the reasoning for using patterned glass?
I have my own thoughts on this but I'll keep quiet for now, I want to hear what others have to say.
Thanks!





RE: Silicon PV coverplate
Actually it's to reduce reflections. A smooth sheet of glass will reflect a large amount of light at certain sun angles. It also has more surface area and probably runs a bit cooler.
Keith Cress
kcress - http://www.flaminsystems.com
RE: Silicon PV coverplate
As to the second point "more surface area--> cools faster" seems plausible but it's not a reason I've heard suggested before for use of patterned glass, so I doubt it's the driving motivator.
It also seems to me that the patterned glass will (in some circumstances) dirty easier and be harder to clean.
RE: Silicon PV coverplate
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RE: Silicon PV coverplate
By the way, Saint Gobain's line of patterned glass includes deeply textured glass (Albarino P) that I have no doubt effectively reduce overall reflection, as well as lightly textured glass (Albarino S) that only diffuse the reflection. It is the lightly textured glasses I have seen most often on silicon PV modules.