What are films for the solar industry?
Solar energy is a sustainable form of electricity and energy generation and therefore an important factor in achieving the energy transition. Solar panels can be installed on roofs, unused agricultural land, balconies and other surfaces to easily and efficiently convert the sun's rays into usable energy. No wonder we are seeing more and more solar panels in our everyday lives in cities and on large areas of land in the countryside. The increasing efficiency of solar cells is contributing to the growing popularity of solar technology. Unlike wind turbines, the installation of a small solar system, also known as a balcony power plant, can also be carried out by private individuals without any technical background knowledge.
Glass in particular is used as a component and protection for the solar cells in the manufacture of the modules. However, there is an increasing demand for solar systems with low weight, so-called lightweight solar modules. This allows more photovoltaic systems to be installed on surfaces such as roofs without jeopardising the statics of the roof. Additional surfaces such as balconies or even car roofs can also be fitted with solar films, lightweight solar panels or modules to serve as an energy source. Legislative requirements are particularly stringent for balconies, meaning that new technologies for power generation are in demand here. The roof surfaces of older buildings also often do not offer sufficient structural reserves for the installation of photovoltaic or solar modules.
Thin and lightweight high-performance films are a very interesting option to heavy glass surfaces and significantly reduce the weight of the solar module. They are also more flexible than glass and still offer good protection for the solar cells. Thanks to continuous development, these solar systems can also keep up with glass modules in terms of efficiency and performance. Solar films or photovoltaic films are technical films that have been specially developed for photovoltaic applications and are installed in photovoltaic modules. These lightweight and flexible materials can be used to build effective film modules.
Photovoltaik film for solar panels - our materials.
As a specialist for technical films, we offer you an extensive programme of solutions for technological and industrial applications. This also includes films for the solar industry - so-called solar films, solar cell films or photovoltaic films. These high-performance films have been specially designed for this application area of solar energy and the construction of photovoltaic modules and systems.
We work closely with a number of established manufacturers and offer film products specifically for photovoltaic applications. These include UV-stable PMMA and polyester films. Both differ in terms of material and properties and can be used in photovoltaics and the production of photovoltaic modules for generating electricity.
Biaxially orientated polyester (PET) films.
Biaxially oriented polyester films are characterised by their high resistance to temperatures. They also have good tensile strength and tear resistance, excellent chemical, mechanical and thermal stability and excellent transparency. Polyester films are good electrical insulators and have low moisture absorption.
PET film solutions with special material properties have been developed for solar panels. These films for the solar industry have the following advantages:
- Increased hydrolysis resistance.
- Increased light and UV stability.
- Improved adhesion between the plastic film and other layers within the photovoltaic module.
- No chalking or powder formation as the film ages.
We offer both crystal-clear polyester films and white opaque PET film for solar applications. Crystal clear PV films allow a lot of light to pass through and are therefore very suitable as a front film or intermediate layer. White films with a high reflective power, on the other hand, are used as the backsheet or rear side of the UV panel.
PMMA film with high UV stability.
We offer you high-quality PMMA products from the Plexiglas brand. This type of film is extremely UV and weather resistant, which makes it suitable for long-term use in solar modules. Thanks to the addition of the plastic polybutyl acrylate (PBA) as an impact modifier, the PV film can be easily cut and processed by laser.
Plexiglas film is absolutely crystal clear and has a high-gloss surface. The colourless qualities have particularly good light conduction properties (transmission). They are highly resistant to weathering and abrasion and are absolutely colourless.
In addition to fixed formats or whole rolls, you can also buy a suitable solar film cut to size from us. Whether prototype or series production, we are your contact for technical high-performance films of all kinds.
Properties of solar films
Certain properties are required for use in solar modules. Solar industry film is primarily characterised by the following factors:
High protection against weathering
Solar modules are designed for a service life of around 30 years. Accordingly, the components installed in them must guarantee a high level of protection against the effects of the weather. Technical solar films achieve this and are an ideal material for long-term outdoor durability.
Low moisture absorption
The materials used in solar panels must not absorb moisture in order to ensure the longevity of the solar cell. Our polyester films for solar applications in particular have been developed to do just that.
Good insulation properties
The components of a solar module must have a high insulation capacity. Polyester film products in particular are ideal for this, as they have a high insulating capacity and are often used as insulators in industry.
Application in solar modules.
A solar module consists of numerous components and layers. In addition to the solar cell itself, various other materials are required. Two different inserts for solar cell films can be distinguished in the structure of a solar module:
Crystal-clear solar film as the front side (front sheet) or intermediate layer:
These film products are primarily characterised by high light transmission and transparency to let through valuable sunlight from which solar energy is generated. Other factors include good stability against solar radiation, high weather resistance and low moisture absorption. However, the film does not absorb or reflect sunlight in order to maximise the efficiency of the module. This makes it ideal for efficient solar solutions.
White film with high opacity as a backsheet:
A backsheet film is used as a backsheet for photovoltaic cells. It is important that the degree of reflection is as high as possible in order to reflect light and send it back to the solar cell. This increases the efficiency of the solar cells and ensures that the modules can generate more energy.
The importance of solar energy for energy generation
In 2022, the share of electricity generated by photovoltaic systems in Germany was around 11 %. By comparison, the share of PV electricity in 2017 was just 7 %.
The ever-increasing demand for electricity requires further development of conventional energy generation solutions. In addition to increasing efficiency, manufacturers are also focussing on developing previously unused areas such as the façades of lightweight industrial buildings. Here, solar films and lightweight photovoltaic modules offer many other advantages in addition to reduced weight.
Service, cutting and delivery.
As a wholesaler and supplier of technical films, we offer solar films on rolls in various widths. We are also happy to supply you with our products in rectangular cuts / formats. Whether small quantities or bulk orders for the series production of solar and photovoltaic modules. Ask us about the required format and we will prepare a suitable offer for you. You can buy photovoltaic film from us. We will also be happy to answer any other questions you may have about storage, packaging and delivery.
If you have any further questions about choosing the right material, possible formats, sheet size and dimensions, areas of application or our company, please do not hesitate to contact us. Please contact us if you would like advice, solutions or a specific quotation. The König Film Centre team looks forward to hearing from you!