Meyer Burger and glass-glass bifacial solar modules.

Swiss-based solar technology company Meyer Burger has recently made an exciting announcement regarding its future plans to focus solely on the production of glass-glass bifacial solar modules. The company’s decision comes as part of its strategic plan to become a leading provider of sustainable and innovative solutions for the global solar industry.

In a press release issued on February 24th, Meyer Burger announced its intention to cease the production of conventional glass-foil solar modules and instead focus entirely on the manufacture of glass-glass bifacial modules. The company’s CEO, Gunter Erfurt, explained the decision, saying:

“We are convinced that glass-glass bifacial modules will become the dominant technology in the solar industry in the coming years. They offer significant advantages over conventional glass-foil modules, including higher durability, longer lifespan, and improved performance under real-world conditions. By focusing our efforts on this technology, we can deliver greater value to our customers and contribute to the continued growth of the solar industry.”

Bifacial solar modules are designed to capture sunlight from both sides of the panel, increasing their overall efficiency and output. Glass-glass bifacial modules are particularly well-suited to this purpose, as they have a transparent backsheet that allows light to pass through to the rear of the panel. This design not only boosts energy production but also enhances the durability and longevity of the module, as it is less vulnerable to damage from external factors like moisture and UV radiation.

Meyer Burger’s decision to focus exclusively on glass-glass bifacial modules is a significant one, as it represents a shift away from the traditional glass-foil technology that has dominated the solar industry for decades. However, the company is confident that this move will pay off in the long run, both in terms of customer satisfaction and profitability.

“We are committed to leading the way in sustainable solar technology, and we believe that glass-glass bifacial modules are the future of the industry,” Erfurt said. “By investing in this technology now, we can position ourselves as a key player in the market and deliver real value to our customers.”

The announcement has been met with enthusiasm from industry experts, who see it as a positive step forward for both Meyer Burger and the solar industry as a whole. In an interview with pv magazine, solar analyst Finlay Colville praised the decision, saying:

“Meyer Burger’s move to glass-glass bifacial modules is a smart decision. They’re focusing on a technology that offers a lot of benefits in terms of durability and performance, and that’s likely to become increasingly popular in the years to come. By positioning themselves as a leader in this space, they’re setting themselves up for success.”

Meyer Burger’s decision to shift its focus to glass-glass bifacial modules is an exciting one, and it will be interesting to see how the company’s strategy plays out in the coming years. With a strong commitment to sustainability and innovation, Meyer Burger is well-positioned to thrive in the rapidly growing solar industry.

References:

Meyer Burger. (2021, February 24). Meyer Burger to exclusively produce high-performance glass-glass solar modules. Retrieved from https://www.meyerburger.com/en/meyer-burger-to-exclusively-produce-high-performance-glass-glass-solar-modules/

Colville, F. (2021, February 25). Meyer Burger to focus solely on glass-glass bifacial modules. pv magazine. Retrieved from https://www.pv-magazine.com/2021/02/25/meyer-burger-to-focus-solely-on-glass-glass-bifacial-modules/

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Can you walk on solar panels? Solar panel durability.

Can you walk on solar panels? We could probably answer this article with one word – no. But let’s take a look at how walking on solar panels damages them – with cracks, damaged cells (which are impossible to see with the naked eye), and more. We’ll also investigate some of the most durable solar panels you can buy in 2018.

Can you walk on solar panels
Can you walk on solar panels? (source: SolarWorld USA via YouTube)

Can you walk on solar panels?

Still no. A running joke between colleagues in the solar industry is when a new ‘cowboy’ outfit comes to town with a bunch of flashy solar marketing – which involves pictures of installers blithely standing or crouching on top of a panel, potentially doing very serious damage to the efficacy of the system. And the fact that the damage compounds over time means it’s sometimes difficult to correlate the problem to find out what happened to make your solar system underperform…

When we talk about walking on solar panels, this doesn’t just mean the glass itself – you need to stay off the rails and frame as well. 

If you absolutely insist on a super-strength solar panel someone light could walk on, or you live somewhere with strong hail/wind/snow loads, SolarWorld have a Sunmodule which is extremely hard. View a video of its endurance here:

Tesla’s Solar Roof also has great durability and is an option for those needing a very strong solar panel. Note that we still recommend you don’t step on this, or any solar panel, unless you have to rescue an ailing baby bird or retrieve a pot of gold. They’re simply not made for it. 

NREL, the National Renewable Energy Laboratory, have produced a video showing the invisible damage from walking on a solar panel.

According to the video, after a cell is cracked, its power output degenerates far more rapidly than usual (every solar panel’s output decreases with time). Temperature changes (like the difference between day and night, or different seasons) cause thermal expansions and contractions which pull apart the materials around the crack, exacerbating the problem. 

In short – please don’t walk on solar panels. 

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