MetZilla Proposed To Prolong Solar Panel Lifespan

• A research team of University of New Mexico and AFRL claim to ahve created a new metallization paste that has the potential to enhance the lifespan of solar systems to up to 50 years
• MetZilla can keep the metal conducting lines within solar cells intact which helps prolong the lifespan of the system
• Despite cracks, the system performance doesn't get negatively impacted with MetZilla, says the team
• It is currently being tested within laboratory conditions to prepare it for market maturity

A new kind of metallization paste prepared by the researchers of the University of New Mexico and the US Air Force Research Laboratory (AFRL) claims to have the potential to extend the life of solar panels to a minimum of 35 years and up to 50 years up from the current lifespan of 25 years to 30 years.

As per a report in the Albuquerque Journal, the team created a composite material they termed MetZilla, by meshing carbon nanotubes with silver that harnesses the 'Atom Ant-like strength' of carbon nanotubes despite cracking issues in the system. It enables the metal conducting lines on solar cells intact thereby helping prolong the lifespan of a solar system.

Currently being tested within laboratory conditions by Osazda Energy LLC, a start-up that's working to take the technology towards market maturity, MetZilla is aimed by the team to replace traditional contact metallization.

Cell degradation issues in the form of frequent cracking in the system can be addressed, claims MetZilla as the team argues it can keep metal conducting lines on solar cells intact despite the cracks which leads to better power generation, with potential to eventually bring down cost of the system.

The MetZilla technology is currently being tested within a laboratory set up where it will undergo extreme temperature which will be comparable with standard metal conducting lines. The creators say it is compatible with an industry standard screen printing equipment and processes.

In 2018, TaiyangNews had come out with its Metallization Pastes Survey carrying an update on players and products in this segment (see Market Survey On Metallization Pastes In 2018).