What are ETFE solar panels? And the advantages and disadvantages of ETFE solar panels

ETFE solar panel is a solar panel with ETFE film as the encapsulation material. Its structure is: ETFE film + EVA + solar cell + EVA + PCB board. ETFE solar panels are waterproof, UV resistant, lightweight, and have a long service life (over 5 years). ETFE solar panels are widely used in IoT devices, wireless sensors, solar sea lighting, solar lights, solar toys, etc.

 

ETFE solar panels vs. non-ETFE solar panels

In the table below, we will compare ETFE and conventional (non-ETFE) solar panels to determine the best choice for you.

FACTOR	ETFE SOLAR PANELS	CONVENTIONAL (NON-ETFE)
Maintenance	Less maintenance since they’re self-cleaning	Need frequent maintenance such as cleaning
Performance in low light conditions	Better performance since they can easily be curved to optimize performance at specific sun angles	Rigid hence performance is standard in low light conditions
Efficiency	Acceptable efficiency	Relatively higher efficiency
Durability	Extremely durable since they’re less prone to damages	Standard durability due to problems such as microcracks
Expected lifespan	10-15 years	15-30 years
Application	Highly versatile since they can be used even on curved surfaces	They’re rigid, so they can only be installed on flat surfaces.
Weight for a 100W module	Below 6-10 pounds depending on the design	15- 20 pounds also depending on the design

 

ETFE solar panels are suitable for outdoor applications because they are lightweight and can be installed on complex surfaces with unconventional shapes. On the other hand, conventional rigid are well suited for roof and ground mounting for a more permanent power solution.

 

Advantages of ETFE solar panels

High-Temperature Resistance

Solar panels are subjected to high temperatures, leading to overheating problems, especially with thin and flexible solar panels. Fortunately, ETFE solar modules can withstand high temperatures and large temperature fluctuations.

 

Space saving

The thin, compact design of ETFE modules makes them suitable for applications where free space is an issue. More importantly, the flexibility of these solar panels makes them suitable for unconventional installations, such as around light poles.

 

Improved efficiency

Depending on the type of solar cell used, ETFE modules will have 15-25% efficiencies. Currently, this is the standard efficiency even for conventional solar panels.

 

High light transmission (up to 95%)

ETFE brings chlorine atoms into the structure of the solar panel. The chlorine ensures that the laminate remains intact and does not discolor. Thanks to this, light penetration is maintained at maximum, thus increasing the productivity of these solar panels.

 

Self-cleaning

Thanks to the textured finish of ETFE flexible solar panels, they are dust and dirt-resistant. This means they don't need to be cleaned as often as traditional solar panels. The non-stick and self-cleaning properties of ETFE solar panels allow them to maintain optimal performance at all times.

 

Robust and durable

Solar panels made from ETFE offer unmatched durability and strength. Even in harsh outdoor conditions, ETFE photovoltaic systems will continue to generate electricity as expected. The longevity of these solar panels is also guaranteed as internal components such as solar cells are perfectly protected by this coating system.

 

Disadvantages of ETFE solar panels

ETFE solar panels offer many advantages, but there are some imperfections. The following are the main disadvantages of ETFE panels.

 

More expensive than traditional solar panels

ETFE solar panels are twice or three times the cost of aluminum framed solar panels. While these modules offer excellent advantages in the long run, the initial cost is heavy.

 

Vulnerability Issues

Even though ETFE flexible solar panels are solid in their standard flat configuration, they can easily break when you bend them excessively or flex them beyond their maximum limits. For this reason, you should get detailed information from the manufacturer about the maximum bendable angle of ETFE flexible solar panels to learn how to handle them without damaging them.

 

Yellowing and overheating

ETFE solar panels can turn yellow or overheat if exposed to extreme temperatures. Yellowing is caused by prolonged overexposure to UV radiation. Both yellowing and overheating can significantly reduce the efficiency of ETFE modules, thus reducing the power you get from them.

 

Suppose you are interested in learning more about ETFE solar panels. In that case, you can browse through the different ETFE solar panels in our product section, "ETFE Solar Panels," If you need custom ETFE solar panels, feel free to contact Findy Solar.

 

Reprinted from solar panel manufacturer Findy Solar - “What are ETFE solar panels”