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MANUFACTURINGMATERIALS


optimal energy use and reduced waste are not only good for the environment, but for the manufacturer’s bottom line.


Focusing on production efficiency to increase overall profits, manufacturers cannot afford to waste valuable materials. With that in mind, module design options can include state-of-the-art frontsheet systems that utilize the co-application of two films – ETFE frontsheet EVA encapsulant – into one. Boosting production efficiency, these select frontsheet systems do not require any alignment during the manufacturing process and offer the complete frontsheet package. One less process step, requiring time and resources, can improve overall manufacturing efficiency and increase production yield.


When used together with EVA films in high- performance frontsheet systems, ETFE films exhibit reduced wrinkling, decreasing the amount of waste due to damaged or unusable film. In addition, frontsheet systems are basically two rolls in one, further reducing packaging, shipping costs and easier inventory management.


Packaging & shipping


Though not a key factor in design, PV modules that combine ETFE and EVA thin film provide another cost-savings opportunity. Moving from manufacturer to customer, packaging and shipping are additional areas where manufacturers can increase overall profitability through the efficient use of valuable resources. Shipping products to customers, lightweight PV modules designed with ETFE and EVA components mean reduced overall packaging and shipping costs due simply to their decreased size. Simply put, thinner design equals reduced packaging materials, fuel costs, and manpower.


As an additional value-add, more efficient packaging and shipping practices are inherently good for the environment, decreasing the overall carbon footprint for a PV module manufacturer and its product.


Customer design considerations Once packaged, shipped, and delivered, PV modules designed using ETFE and EVA film products begin providing immediate value to PV module end-users, such as integrators and installers. When discussing PV module design, function needs to go well beyond light transmission and other key performance properties. For example, lightweight modules


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EVA light transmission after aging


www.solar-pv-management.com Issue I 2011


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