What Is Low-Iron Solar Glass?
Low-iron glass is manufactured with a lower iron content than conventional clear glass.
Reducing the iron content decreases the green tint commonly visible in standard glass and allows more light to pass through the glass.
For photovoltaic applications, this makes low-iron glass suitable for use as solar module cover glass and other applications where optical performance is important.
Why Is Low-Iron Glass Used for Solar Panels?
The front glass of a photovoltaic module is positioned between incoming sunlight and the solar cells.
Its function is therefore not limited to protecting the module.
The glass should allow as much useful sunlight as possible to reach the cells while also meeting the mechanical and processing requirements of the module design.
Low-iron solar glass is commonly selected because its optical properties are better suited to this purpose than conventional clear glass.
Low-Iron Glass and AR Coating
Low-iron solar glass can also be combined with an anti-reflective (AR) surface treatment.
The purpose of AR treatment is to reduce reflection at the glass surface and allow more incoming light to pass through.
Whether AR-coated glass is required depends on the PV module design and performance requirements.
What Should Buyers Consider?
When sourcing low-iron solar glass, buyers should consider more than the glass name alone.
Important factors include:
- Intended PV module application
- Required glass dimensions
- Glass thickness
- Surface pattern or texture
- Coating requirements
- Tempering and processing requirements
- Required optical properties
The appropriate specification should be determined according to the module design and production requirements.
Choosing Low-Iron Solar Glass for Your Project
Low-iron glass provides an optical foundation for many photovoltaic glass applications, while additional treatments such as surface patterns and AR coatings can be selected according to specific module requirements.
For PV module manufacturers and project buyers, the correct glass should be selected according to the complete module design rather than a single parameter.
For solar glass requirements, send MIGO your dimensions, thickness, quantity, surface requirements, processing requirements and application for quotation.
