Intersolar 2018: IBC SOLAR unveils dual-glass module for the first time

Bad Staffelstein / Germany, June 12, 2018 – IBC SOLAR AG, a global leader in photovoltaic (PV) systems and energy storage, will showcase a dual-glass module at Intersolar for the first time. The IBC MonoSol VL5-DG with 315 watt output is particularly well suited for residential installations, but also in locations with heavy wind or snow loads.

Sophisticated design and maximum stability – the first dual-glass module from IBC SOLAR not only impresses with its appearance, but also with its interior values. The monocrystalline cells are equipped with PERC technology and therefore achieve a higher degree of efficiency of up to 23 percent. The efficiency is also enhanced by using a reflective foil on the back. This allows an increase in the amount of light to be utilised after additional reflection on the inside of the front glass. In terms of its design, the new IBC SOLAR module is up there with the best. It is best suited to create aesthetically pleasing residential installations with its black aluminium frame, and can be used with all IBC SOLAR mounting systems on any type of roof.

With 2.5mm of glass on the front and rear side, the module is less susceptible to tensile and compressive stress caused by heavy wind- and snow loads, which can lead to micro cracks in the cells on conventional modules. It can successfully withstand loads of up to 8,100 Pascal (Pa) according to IEC 61215:2005. Taking into account the safety factor of 1.5, the module is suitable for a load of up to 5,400 Pa according to the new IEC 61215:2016.

The rear glass also improves the durability of the modules by delaying the impact of weathering. Furthermore, the use of a polyolefin-based encapsulation material helps the module last longer. Aging due to the formation of acetic acid, which occurs especially in glass-glass modules, can be ruled out when polyolefin is used. It also offers additional protection against potential-induced degradation (PID).

The warranty that IBC SOLAR provides for the IBC MonoSol VL5-DG is correspondingly long. The dual-glass modules come with an extended 30-year performance guarantee and an extended product warranty of 20 years.

As usual, the new dual-glass module is subject to extensive testing at the company’s quality control laboratory. In addition to PID and climate chamber tests, official IEC certification from TÜV Rheinland and external quality tests for degradation behaviour such as light-induced degradation (LID) are currently underway at Fraunhofer ISE. The IBC MonoSol VL5-D will be available in Q4/2018.

More information on the company’s international services, as well as on further news and product highlights from IBC SOLAR, can be discovered at the Intersolar Europe (Munich, June 20 to 24, 2018), Europe’s leading trade fair for solar technology, in hall A3, booth 579.