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  4. Characterization of Lightweight Polymeric Honeycomb Structures for Use as Backsides in Glass‐Free PV Modules
 
research article

Characterization of Lightweight Polymeric Honeycomb Structures for Use as Backsides in Glass‐Free PV Modules

Pervan, Nikolina
•
Desai, Umang  
•
Eder, Gabriele C.
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August 27, 2025
Journal of Applied Polymer Science

In densely populated or mountainous countries where installation of large‐scale solar plants is challenging, photovoltaic (PV) modules in building applications offer a solution by transforming passive surfaces into energy‐generating systems. The need for flexible, lightweight, and “invisible” PV modules, with a life‐time of over 20 years, comparable performance to the standard modules, and enabled recyclability resulted in various designs on the market. This research focuses on thermoplastic honeycomb sandwich composites (HSCs) with glass fiber‐reinforced polymer skins as potential lightweight backsides for PV modules. Through material characterization and damp heat testing, their optical, mechanical, and thermal performance, compatibility with lamination processes, and ability to protect internal components from UV radiation and humidity were evaluated. Results show that proper glass fiber embedment improves mechanical properties and reduces water vapor transmission rates. Semitransparent skins could enable bifacial PV modules but require UV absorbers for long‐term stability. HSCs exhibit glass‐like thermomechanical behavior but low thermal conductivity, which could affect module temperature regulation. Damp heat exposure caused minor degradation in PP‐based materials, while PET materials experienced polymer chain‐scission and significant material embrittlement, which indicates the need for improved hydrolysis resistance.

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Type
research article
DOI
10.1002/app.57892
Author(s)
Pervan, Nikolina
Desai, Umang  

École Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne

Eder, Gabriele C.
Govaerts, Jonathan
Derluyn, Arne
Winant, Wouter
Faes, Antonin  

École Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne

Ballif, Christophe  

École Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne

Oreski, Gernot
Date Issued

2025-08-27

Publisher

Wiley

Published in
Journal of Applied Polymer Science
Article Number

e57892

Editorial or Peer reviewed

REVIEWED

Written at

EPFL

EPFL units
PV-LAB  
FunderFunding(s)Grant NumberGrant URL

Österreichische Forschungsförderungsgesellschaft

FO999897443

Bundesamt für Energie

SI/502501‐01

Available on Infoscience
September 2, 2025
Use this identifier to reference this record
https://infoscience.epfl.ch/handle/20.500.14299/253644
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