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On Thu, 3 Dec 2009, Russell McMahon wrote:

> > > =C2=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.
>=20
> 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 decisio=
ns.
>=20
>               http://atlas-mts.com/sunspots/vol38issue83.pdf
>=20
> 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.
>=20

Ah, the magic word, "efficiency".

It's all well and good looking at long term payback but if I've learned=20
anything 30 years is a VERY long time in this industry. At some point=20
(well before the projected end of life of a PV panel) I would expect=20
advances in PV cells to improve efficency to the point were old fully=20
functioning PV panels are replaced with new ones just because they produce=
=20
MUCH more energy.

Regards
Sergio Masci
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