Endurans Solar’s transparent backsheet-based PV modules save balance-of-system cost compared to dual-glass alternatives for a utility PV project
This polyolefin-based backsheet, which has a fluorine and adhesion-free structure, shows resilience to extreme environmental stressors
With locally sourced raw materials, this backsheet is manufactured in a US-based manufacturing unit, which is now certified to adhere to prerequisite safety requirements as a PV module component
The US-based PV encapsulant and backsheet maker, Endurans Solar (formerly DSM), has received the IEC 62788-2-1:2023 certificate for its D15T series transparent backsheet from TÜV Rheinland, aiming to replace the rear side glass in dual-glass PV modules.
According to the company, this backsheet is an alternative to 2 mm rear glass. It consists of a lighter-weight polymeric material laminated to the PV module’s rear side, thereby reducing the module’s weight. While the company didn’t quantify the weight reduction, it says the backsheet helps reduce balance-of-system (BOS) costs by using lesser volumes of steel for trackers and foundations of a utility-scale PV project. Its lighter weight also allows the use of 3.2 mm front glass in place of the 2 mm, which is still lighter than a 2 mm + 2 mm dual-glass module, offering higher resilience to hailstorms and potential cell microcrack generation from front-side mechanical forces. The 2 mm rear glass poses a risk of breakage due to tempering limitations during manufacturing, which this backsheet can help avoid.
On the material side, this polyolefin-based backsheet features a fluorine and adhesive-free coextruded structure that enhances resilience against extreme environmental stressors throughout the module’s operational lifetime. These attributes, together, minimize long-term potential failure risks while boosting project bankability for insurers and financiers.
In terms of performance, this translucent backsheet features light-trapping characteristics. It increases low-angle light capture, typically diffused light, by scattering all incident light rather than passing through perpendicularly to the backsheet surface. The company claims that this bifacial yield optimization results in a power gain compared to market-available transparent backsheets.
This backsheet is manufactured domestically, with the raw materials also sourced from the US, which adds to the domestic content share of US-made PV modules. It thereby helps developers navigate volatile trade environments to make an informed module purchase decision.
Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Endurans Solar, Nate Coleman, said, “Our unique US manufactured backsheets provide domestic module manufacturers with enhanced supply chain stability and give developers the ability to increase their domestic content ratio - allowing for vital strategic advantage for projects targeting Inflation Reduction Act (IRA) tax credit adders and US government procurement requirements.”
The company claims these translucent backsheets are fully recyclable at the end of life, due to the non-crosslinking nature of polyolefin. They are in mass production and are commercially available.