BS EN 62788-1-4:2016+A1:2020

Measurement Procedures for Materials Used in Photovoltaic Modules Encapsulants

Discover the essential standard for ensuring the quality and performance of encapsulants used in photovoltaic modules. The BS EN 62788-1-4:2016+A1:2020 provides comprehensive measurement procedures that are crucial for the photovoltaic industry, focusing on the optical properties of encapsulant materials.

Key Features and Benefits

• Standard Number: BS EN 62788-1-4:2016+A1:2020
• Pages: 26
• Release Date: December 4, 2020
• ISBN: 978 0 539 03023 5
• Status: Standard

This standard is a critical resource for professionals in the photovoltaic industry, providing detailed methodologies for measuring the optical transmittance of encapsulant materials. It also includes procedures for calculating the solar-weighted photon transmittance, yellowness index, and UV cut-off wavelength, which are vital parameters for assessing the performance and longevity of photovoltaic modules.

Why Optical Transmittance Matters

Optical transmittance is a key factor in determining the efficiency of photovoltaic modules. The ability of encapsulant materials to transmit light directly impacts the amount of solar energy that can be converted into electricity. This standard provides precise measurement techniques to ensure that encapsulants meet the necessary optical performance criteria, thereby maximizing the energy output of solar panels.

Understanding the Solar-Weighted Photon Transmittance

The solar-weighted photon transmittance is a measure of how effectively a material transmits the solar spectrum. This parameter is crucial for evaluating the overall efficiency of photovoltaic modules. The BS EN 62788-1-4:2016+A1:2020 standard offers a detailed methodology for calculating this value, ensuring that encapsulant materials are optimized for maximum solar energy absorption.

Yellowness Index and Its Importance

The yellowness index is an indicator of the discoloration of encapsulant materials over time. Discoloration can significantly reduce the efficiency of photovoltaic modules by decreasing their optical transmittance. This standard provides a reliable method for measuring the yellowness index, helping manufacturers and researchers to select materials that maintain their clarity and performance over the lifespan of the solar panels.

UV Cut-Off Wavelength

The UV cut-off wavelength is a critical parameter that defines the ability of an encapsulant to block harmful ultraviolet radiation. UV exposure can degrade photovoltaic materials, leading to reduced efficiency and lifespan. The BS EN 62788-1-4:2016+A1:2020 standard includes procedures for determining the UV cut-off wavelength, ensuring that encapsulants provide adequate protection against UV damage.

Comprehensive and Up-to-Date

Released on December 4, 2020, this standard incorporates the latest advancements and amendments in the field of photovoltaic encapsulant materials. It reflects the current best practices and technological innovations, making it an indispensable tool for engineers, researchers, and quality assurance professionals in the solar energy sector.

Who Should Use This Standard?

This standard is designed for a wide range of professionals involved in the photovoltaic industry, including:

• Material scientists and researchers focused on developing new encapsulant materials.
• Quality assurance and testing laboratories responsible for evaluating the performance of photovoltaic modules.
• Manufacturers of photovoltaic modules seeking to ensure the quality and reliability of their products.
• Engineers and designers involved in the development and optimization of solar energy systems.

Conclusion

The BS EN 62788-1-4:2016+A1:2020 standard is an essential resource for anyone involved in the photovoltaic industry. By providing detailed measurement procedures for encapsulant materials, it helps ensure that photovoltaic modules achieve optimal performance and longevity. Whether you are a manufacturer, researcher, or quality assurance professional, this standard will equip you with the knowledge and tools needed to excel in the rapidly evolving field of solar energy.

BS EN 62788-1-4:2016+A1:2020

This standard BS EN 62788-1-4:2016+A1:2020 Measurement procedures for materials used in photovoltaic modules is classified in these ICS categories:

• 27.160 Solar energy engineering

This part of IEC 62788 provides a method for measurement of the optical transmittance of encapsulation materials used in photovoltaic (PV) modules. The standardized measurements in this procedure quantify the expected transmittance of the encapsulation to the PV cell. Subsequent calculation of solar-weighted transmittance allows for comparison between different materials. The results for unweathered material may be used in an encapsulation manufacturer’s datasheets, in manufacturer’s material or process development, in manufacturing quality control (material acceptance), or applied in the analysis of module performance.

This measurement method can also be used to monitor the performance of encapsulation materials after weathering, to help assess their durability. The standardized measurements are intended to examine an interior region within a PV module, e.g., without the effects of oxygen diffusion at the periphery of the cells. Subsequent calculation of yellowness index allows for quantification of durability and consideration of appearance. The change in transmittance, yellowness index, and ultraviolet (UV) cut-off wavelength may be used by encapsulation or module manufacturers to compare the durability of different materials.