Significance of Solar Glass in Solar Panels

We have heard people asking about solar panels, the working of solar panels, the types of solar panels, and cost of installation, etc. But the most asked question is about the raw materials used in solar panels. What is the glass that they use in incorporating the entire structure of the solar panel and what is the main use of solar glass?

Solar Glass is a vital component in solar panels as it helps in harnessing the sun’s energy and is used to convert it to generator power. In this article, you will discover about solar glass, the functionality of solar glass within solar panels, the types of glass used, the manufacturing process, the main materials involved and the role or purpose of solar glass in solar panel.

What is Solar Glass?

Solar glass in solar panels is glass that is designed to optimize to convert sunlight into electricity. This solar glass is considered the key component that covers the solar cells within a panel, providing protection, enhancing efficiency, and ensuring durability.

Let us understand what are actually the main roles and responsibilities of solar glass.

Role of Solar Glass in Solar Panels

The crystalline solar cells consist of low or poor mechanical strength due to which there are chances to break. Due to this the outer moisture and corrosive gas will slowly oxidize and corrode the electrodes which then cannot survive in the outside harsh atmosphere.  Thus, solar glasses are incorporated with the solar cells through EVA and backsheet to provide strength to the panel.

Below are the roles of solar glass in solar panels along with some more conceptual clarity for the readers:

Provides Protective Coating

The solar glass acts as a protective shield for the solar cells thereby safeguarding them from environmental elements such as dust, rain, and hail, water vapor erosion, blocking the oxygen to prevent oxidation, and having good insulation while still allowing sunlight to penetrate.

Increases the Efficiency of Solar Panels

The anti-reflective coating in the glass helps to reduce the loss of sunlight due to reflection which eventually maximizes the absorption of sunlight and consequently improves the efficiency of solar panels.

Strengthens the Solar Panel

Solar glass is considered as the strengthening agent for the solar panel, especially for those used in larger areas as they prevent warping and any damage that may be caused due to wind or snow loads. They overall enhance the structural integrity of panels.

Convenience

Due to its self-cleaning and anti-soiling properties, solar glass is considered the most convenient choice for the application of solar panels as they are low-maintenance, and require minimal cleaning. One just needs to get a yearly cleaning for the solar panel in order to have longevity of solar panels.

Lightweight

These solar glass are thin glass and light in weight helps in reducing the overall weight of the solar panel which makes it easier to install them and also to transport them. Bulky glasses can make the overall solar panel very bulky and also increase the transit and installation costs.

Transmitting Light

The top surface of the solar glass is designed like a suede that transmits the maximum amount of sunlight while blocking harmful UV and infrared rays. This ensures that only the beneficial portion of the solar spectrum reaches the solar cells.

What Type of Glass is Used in Solar Glass?

Two main types of glass are commonly used in solar panels:

Float Glass

Most of the companies consider this type of glass as they provide the best quality at an affordable rate.  It is created by floating molten glass on a bed of molten metal, resulting in a flat, uniform surface. They are poured into a molten tin that contains a mixture of hydrogen and nitrogen gas which helps to prevent the glass from oxidizing.

Rolled Glass

This type of glass is used on surfaces that are not flat. It is manufactured by rolling a glass ribbon onto a cooling drum to produce sheets of glass with varying thicknesses. These are mainly used for making flexible solar panels and for installation in smaller areas.

Solar Glass Manufacturing Process

The manufacturing of solar glass involves several steps that begin with the selection of raw materials. Raw materials, typically including silica sand, soda ash, and limestone. These materials are melted in a furnace which are then formed into flat sheets of glass through the float or rolling process.

After the glass sheets are formed, they are treated with anti-reflective coatings and tempered for durability. Anti-soiling and self-cleaning coatings are often applied to reduce maintenance needs and save the glass from oxidizing and corroding. The finished solar glass is cut and sized to fit the solar panels.

What are the Main Materials Used for Solar Glass?

The materials used for producing solar glass include silica sand, soda ash, and limestone. These raw materials are crucial for producing high-quality glass as they meet the stringent requirements of the solar industry. Their careful selection is done in order to contribute to the durability and efficiency of solar panels.

Start your solar journey today with Vishakha Renewables

Vishakha Renewables is a leading player in the solar energy industry and specializes in the production of solar glass. They are dedicated to manufacturing solar panel components and raw materials, including high-quality solar glass. Vishakha Renewables’ solar glass stands out for its exceptional durability, light transmission properties, and anti-reflective coatings.

We are also proud to inform you that we have inaugurated a solar glass manufacturing plant in Mundra, Gujarat, India by partnering with Asahi India Glass Ltd (AIS). This plant contains 660 tpd solar glass furnaces, which is considered the largest solar glass furnace in India.

Being the largest producer of raw materials for solar panels, we ensure that our solar glass not only meets industry standards but also exceeds expectations, making it the ideal choice for someone who is entering the solar energy journey. With Vishakha Renewables, you can count on high-performance solar glass that is a cornerstone of efficient and reliable solar panels.