BYD Unveils Solar PV Module Without EVA
BYD has unveiled a new solar photovoltaic (PV) module that’s free of ethyl vinyl acetate (EVA), and instead uses silicone as the embedded material, according to recent reports.
The recent unveiling occurred at Intersolar Europe 2015, and included note of the fact that these new solar PV modules reportedly possess improved service lifespans and increased conversion efficiencies.
Reportedly, production of these new solar modules is expected to reach 500 megawatts (MW) worth of capacity by 2016. The module is a glass-glass design with the cells embedded in the aforementioned silicone — which is apparently applied as a liquid.
For those wondering, the push for the removal of EVA is mostly due to the fact that the use of the material can result in the formation of free radicals when moisture finds its way into the module.
Supposedly, according to BYD, the switch will result in the new modules lasting for a service life of 50 years. Interestingly, the switch also means that silver consumption/use — via the replacement of the bus bars with wires — can be reduced by around 25%; as well as increasing the conversion efficiency (a module with 60 solar cells now hovers around 280 watts).
As certification is yet to be completed, the aforementioned production capacity figure of 500 MW is provisional — with there being the potential for a production capacity figure lower by up to 100 MW.
Considering the improvement to BYD’s offerings that this new solar PV module entails, it’ll be interesting to see if total PV module sales for the company rise significantly, or notably.
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