Glass is an important component of photovoltaic modules. It protects the solar cells while allowing sunlight to reach the cells for energy conversion. For this reason, low iron solar glass is widely associated with photovoltaic module applications.
What Is Low Iron Solar Glass?
Low iron glass is manufactured with a lower iron content than conventional clear glass.
Reducing the iron content helps minimize the greenish appearance commonly seen in standard clear glass and improves optical clarity. For photovoltaic applications, this makes low iron glass suitable for use as solar module cover glass.
Why Does Solar Glass Need High Light Transmission?
The front glass of a photovoltaic module is positioned directly between sunlight and the solar cells.
Therefore, optical performance is an important consideration when selecting solar glass. Low iron glass helps allow more solar radiation to pass through the glass and reach the cells compared with conventional glass designed for general applications.
This is one reason why low iron glass is commonly selected for photovoltaic modules.
Low Iron Glass with Anti-Reflective Coating
Solar glass can also be combined with an anti-reflective coating, depending on the module design and project requirements.
The purpose of an AR coating is to reduce reflection at the glass surface and allow more incoming light to pass through the glass.
The required glass and coating configuration should be selected according to the photovoltaic module design and manufacturing requirements.
Other Requirements for Solar Module Glass
Optical performance is only one consideration when selecting photovoltaic glass.
Solar module manufacturers may also need to consider:
- Glass thickness
- Glass dimensions
- Surface pattern
- Tempering requirements
- Edge processing
- Coating requirements
- Module design
- Production and packaging requirements
The appropriate specification depends on the intended photovoltaic application and module construction.
Choosing Glass for Photovoltaic Modules
Low iron solar glass can be used for different photovoltaic module designs, but buyers should select the glass according to their actual production requirements rather than focusing on a single property.
When requesting a quotation, provide the required dimensions, thickness, quantity, processing requirements, coating requirements, photovoltaic application, and destination market.
Looking for solar glass for photovoltaic modules?
Contact MIGO to discuss low iron solar glass, PV module cover glass, processing options, and your project requirements.
