Non-standard custom small-sized solar panels are completely different in size, shape, voltage, and current, so we can’t use fully automated production lines for fabrication. And because people are involved in many aspects of the production line, the quality of the solar panels produced by each manufacturer is very different, although the solar panels we may see all look the same. Many people know that they need to use solar panels, but he does not know what type of solar panel is suitable for them.

First of all, we must first analyze the usage scenarios of solar mini panels. Glass-encapsulated solar panels are the first choice if solar panels are used in harsh environments, such as seasides with high temperatures and humidity. If it is used indoors or in a non-direct sunlight environment, we need to choose solar cells with good low-light performance and high conversion efficiencies, such as thin-film PV cells or high-efficiency monocrystalline silicon PERC cells. If used in a mobile power system, we can choose non-glass solar panels. If the size of the solar panel is required to be relatively large and the lifespan is required to reach more than 5 years, glass-laminated solar panels can be selected.


 

Regardless of the solar cell technology used, our aim is to ensure that the solar mini panel is reliable and perfectly matched to its system. The following aspects can help you gain a deeper understanding of solar panel reliability and applicability.

1. Select a more suitable solar cell technology.

The three most commonly used solar technologies on the market:
 

Monocrystalline solar cells:

Good low-light performance, highest efficiency, and the most mature technology. PERC, IBC, HJT and Bifacial technology, the efficiency can reach 23%+.
 

Polycrystalline solar cells:

The low light performance is average, the efficiency is about 19%, the technology upgrade is slow, and the market share is getting lower and lower.
 

Thin-film solar cells:

Excellent low-light performance, the efficiency is about 10-16%, such as CdTe and CIGS

In sunny areas, monocrystalline silicon solar panels and polycrystalline silicon solar panels can be selected. High-efficiency monocrystalline silicon photovoltaic modules and high-efficiency thin-film PV modules can be selected in areas with short sunshine hours and many cloudy and rainy days.

2. Select high-reliability surface encapsulation materials.

Several materials currently on the market are glass (2mm and 3.2mm), ETFE Film, PET Film, and Epoxy Resin. Each of these materials has its applicability, that is, it has its advantages and disadvantages.
 

Glass: high light transmittance, good stability, and high strength, but the glass is easy to break and may easily hurt people and objects.
 

ETFE Film: High light transmittance, good physical properties, light and thin, but too thin is not enough to protect solar cells, high cost, and water resistance is not as good as glass.
 

PET Film: The production process is simple, the cost is low, and the appearance is beautiful, but it is not UV-proof and easily oxidized.
 

Epoxy Resin: Simple production process, low cost and beautiful appearance, but it’s easy to age.

3. Choose high-quality EVA (if needed)

On the one hand, EVA can cure solar cells to protect them from being damaged during lamination and transportation. On the other hand, it can ensure that solar cells are not oxidized during long-term use. We need to choose EVA with strong adhesiveness, high light transmittance, strong UV resistance and strong oxidation resistance.

4. Use a reliable backsheet (if required)

At present, the backsheet materials we use include KPK, TPT, Tedlar, etc. No matter which material is used, it is necessary to ensure that the backsheet and EVA have good adhesiveness. Meanwhile, the backsheet must have good water resistance and oxidation resistance.

5. Use an anti-oxidative, acid-resistant aluminum frame (if required)

All anodized aluminum is used, and the plated aluminum frame is resistant to oxidation and acid.

In short, we need to choose which solar cell technology and encapsulated technology to use according to the working environment of the product, the size, voltage, current and life requirements of the solar panel. Therefore, it is particularly important to choose a professional and reliable manufacturer and sales personnel. Non-professional sales staff may mislead customers to choose unsuitable solar panels and affect the subsequent mass production of products.

WSL Solar has been a quality and professional manufacturer of custom solar panels, solar mini panels, IoT solar panels and solar solution provider in China since 2006.
http://www.cqsslf.com