The evolution of photovoltaic module structures has been marked by the transition from glass-backsheet to dual-glass, largely driven by durability concerns and the rise of bifacial cells. While glass-backsheet design dominated until 2019 due to its ease of manufacturing, aging issues with certain polymer films led manufacturers to reconsider their choices. From 2022 onwards, the rapid growth of TOPCon modules, which are more sensitive to humidity and corrosion risks, further accelerated the adoption of dual-glass, already present on the market, to better protect the cells. This structural choice impacts several performance criteria: resistance to moisture penetration, mechanical stability under loads and impacts, and the overall long-term reliability of the module. However, trade-offs exist between durability and other factors such as weight, mechanical resistance, and energy performance.

The following comparative table highlights these different criteria to provide a clearer assessment of the advantages and limitations of current solutions in the context of TOPCon monofacial module aging:

Dual-glass is more durable, offering better moisture resistance, a lower degradation rate (0.45%/year vs. 0.7%/year), and a longer lifespan (+30 years). It enhances efficiency through bifaciality (+10-11%) and reduces the risk of microcracks. However, it is heavier (+25 kg vs. 20 kg), more expensive, and requires more frequent maintenance. Glass-backsheet, being lighter and cheaper, degrades faster and is limited to monofacial applications, but its recycling process is more advanced. At Synapsun, we choose dual-glass to ensure optimal performance and long-term durability. Find our products on our portal (view our products).