SolarWorld has introduced the Sunmodule Protect glass-glass solar panel. With a weight similar to that of a standard glass-film panel, the Sunmodule Protect substitutes a panel's conventional backsheet with lightweight glass to better shield energy-producing solar cells from the elements, the company says.
With the glass-glass combination, cells also are less susceptible to shear stress, thereby reducing cell breakage. Even with a second pane of glass, Sunmodule Protect solar panels remain lightweight – at about 46 pounds.
This advancement enables SolarWorld to extend its linear performance guarantee to 30 years, up from 25 years, offering 0.35 percentage points in lower performance protection over each of the 30 years. Sunmodule Protect solar panels will be formally debuted in the second half of 2013 through SolarWorld's network of preferred distributors and authorized installers.
