> > =A0According to the BBC science page, 90 % of current solar panels will
> > last at least 30 years rather than the considered standard of 20.
> > This claim is from the EU Energy Institute, and they predict that 40
> > year life PV panels will be on the market shortly.

Superb PV panel longevity report.
Compares a range of adhesives with EVA in terms of performance and cost.
Discusses accelerated testing and the factors relevant to testing decisions.

              http://atlas-mts.com/sunspots/vol38issue83.pdf

Note that, at least with EVA, loss of adhesion under UV-B irradiation,
and not degradation in optical transmission is the major longevity
factor. Panels which notionally have 30 or 40 year lifetimes either
require other adhesives than EVA or a way of improving its UV
resistance. Any added optical filtering in the outer layer  also has
to address its effect on overall efficiency.

Adhesives superior to EVA are available, but overall cost benefit
makes EVA the industry preferred solution. Higher material-cost
alternatives may offer advantages due to their curing requirements -
EVA requires relatively long periods at elevated temperature and
pressure to establish the necessary cross linking. Room temperatrure
curing silicone rubbers may allow enhanced production throughput in
some cases.



                      Russell McMahon

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