Photovoltaic glass, also known as "photoelectric glass", is a special glass that presses solar photovoltaic modules, can use solar radiation to generate electricity, and has related current extraction devices and cables. It is composed of glass, solar cells, film, back glass, special metal wires, etc. It is the most novel high-tech glass product for construction.

The main raw materials of photovoltaic glass include quartz sand, soda ash, limestone, dolomite, sodium nitrate, Glauber's salt, sodium pyroantimonate, aluminum hydroxide, etc. Its production process is mainly divided into two major links: original film production and deep processing. The production of the original sheet is to obtain the untreated semi-finished photovoltaic original sheet after five steps of mixing, melting, calendering, annealing and cutting of raw materials, and then further processing. The deep processing process includes two processes of tempering and coating. The original film is edged and then tempered to obtain a tempered sheet, or tempered + coated to obtain a coated sheet for component packaging.

At present, the mainstream product of photovoltaic glass is low-iron toughened patterned glass (also known as toughened suede glass), with a thickness of 3.2mm or 4mm. In the wavelength range of solar cell spectral response (380~1100nm), the light transmittance can Up to 91%, and has a high reflectivity for infrared light greater than 1200nm. It is made by using a special embossing machine to press a special pyramid-shaped pattern on the surface of ultra-white glass.

The main function of photovoltaic glass is to protect the battery from water vapor erosion, block oxygen to prevent oxidation, high and low temperature resistance, good insulation and aging resistance. It is an important part of solar photovoltaic modules and has important values of protecting cells and light transmission.

The advantages and disadvantages of photovoltaic glass are as follows:

advantage:

Photovoltaic glass can use solar radiation to generate electricity, which is a clean and renewable green energy.

Photovoltaic glass has the functions of protecting batteries from water vapor erosion, blocking oxygen to prevent oxidation, high and low temperature resistance, good insulation and aging resistance.

Photovoltaic glass can improve the light transmittance of glass, increase the transmittance of light, and improve the efficiency of photoelectric conversion.

Photovoltaic glass can save space and be installed on idle roofs or exterior walls without occupying additional land.

Photovoltaic glass can reduce the comprehensive outdoor temperature, reduce the heat gain of the wall and the cooling load of the indoor air conditioner, and play a role in building energy saving.

shortcoming:

Photovoltaic glass is expensive and requires professional installation and maintenance.

The power generation of photovoltaic glass is affected by sunshine conditions and seasonal changes, which is unstable.

Photovoltaic glass may have quality problems such as self-explosion, delamination, blistering, bulging, and yellowing, which affect service life and safety.

Photovoltaic glass needs to be connected to the grid and is restricted by grid policies and prices.