Silicon Energy LLC's (Marysville, Washington, U.S.) double-glass Cascade Series solar photovoltaic (PV) modules have out-performed other crystalline silicon (c-Si) PV modules in an experimental test of durability under extreme environmental conditions.

In the test by National Renewable Energy Laboratories' (NREL) National Center for Photovoltaics, the Cascade Series modules ranked higher than five other c-Si PV module designs for degradation mechanisms including potentially-induced degradation, de-lamination and corrosion.

“We appreciate the opportunity to participate in NREL’s cutting edge research, and are thrilled with our performance in their rigorous testing environment,” said Silicon Energy President Gary Shaver.

“Silicon Energy is committed to quality and durability, and our next generation Cascade Series module builds off of this knowledge and success.”

Test simulates extreme environmental conditions

NREL's “Test-to-Failure of Crystalline Silicon Modules” simulates severe environmental conditions including repeated thermal cycling from -40 to 85 degrees Celsius, and a separate test at 85 percent relative humidity at 29 degrees Celsius with a voltage bias applied.

Silicon Energy credits the performance of its modules to their design, which features double tempered glass construction laminated using an advanced encapsulant to survive extreme environmental conditions.

The company notes that in addition to its test performance, its Cascade Series modules carry a Class-A fire rating and a 30-year warranty.

2013-03-07 | Courtesy: Silicon Energy | solarserver.com © Heindl Server GmbH

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