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Microstructure changes during failure of PVDF‐based photovoltaic backsheets
Author(s) -
Moffitt Stephanie L.,
Pan PoChang,
Perry Lakesha,
Tracy Jared,
Choudhury Kaushik R.,
Kempe Michael D.,
Gu Xiaohong
Publication year - 2023
Publication title -
progress in photovoltaics: research and applications
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 2.286
H-Index - 131
eISSN - 1099-159X
pISSN - 1062-7995
DOI - 10.1002/pip.3605
Subject(s) - materials science , polyvinylidene fluoride , composite material , microstructure , polymer , photovoltaic system , ecology , biology
The backsheet layer of a solar module provides a safety and environmental barrier to the high voltages running through the photovoltaic (PV) cells and electrical contacts within the core of the module. However, in the past decade, backsheet cracking has become one of the most observed failure modes in PV module field surveys. In this work, the degradation of polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF)‐based backsheets is explored. Backsheet samples are either exposed to accelerated laboratory aging (UV light, heat, and moisture) or collected from the field. Fourier transform infrared and Raman spectroscopy, fragmentation testing, atomic force and scanning electron microscopy, and small‐angle neutron scattering are combined to develop an understanding of how chemistry and microstructure evolve during aging. Chemical degradation, surface pitting, polymer phase changes, and anisotropic polymer domains are all observed in aged backsheet samples. The results provide insight into the degradation mechanisms that lead to cracking and field failure of PVDF‐based backsheets. The comparison of aged PVDF‐based backsheets helps to lay the groundwork for limiting polymer‐based failure modes in PV modules.