The solar backsheet is an important part of the solar panel, which is located on the back of the panel and plays the role of protection, support and insulation. The design and material selection of the backsheet has a significant impact on the performance and lifetime of the solar panel.

The Main Functions of Solar Backsheets Include:

  • Protect solar cells
    Backsheets protect solar cells from moisture, dust, chemicals, and other environmental factors. This helps preserve battery performance and life.
  • Electrical insulation
    The backplane must have good electrical insulation properties to prevent electrical contact between the battery and the outside world, ensuring safety and reliability.
  • Structural Support
    The backsheet provides support and reinforcement to the solar panel against external forces such as mechanical stress, temperature changes, etc.
  • Thermal management
    Some backplane designs can help manage the temperature of the solar panel to ensure it remains efficient in varying temperature conditions.
  • Fire performance
    The material of the backboard should have a certain flame retardancy to ensure that it will not cause a fire under unsafe conditions.

FR-4 PET Sandwich Panel for Solar Backsheet

Combining FR-4 with PET foam boards as a solar backsheet material has several advantages that may enhance the performance, durability, and reliability of solar panels.

Basic Specifications

  • Skin material: FR-4 sheet.
  • Core material: PET foam.
  • High-temperature range: within 150°C.
  • Length: customized.
  • Width: customized.
  • Thickness: customized.

What is FR-4 Material?

FR-4, also known as Flame Retardant 4, is a widely used type of composite material in the electronics industry. It is a composite material composed of layers of woven fiberglass cloth impregnated with epoxy resin.

Characteristics of FR-4

  • Mechanical Strength: The inclusion of glass fibers enhances the mechanical strength of FR-4.
  • Chemical Resistance: FR-4 materials exhibit good resistance to many chemicals and solvents commonly encountered in electronic manufacturing and assembly processes.
  • Thermal Stability: FR-4 materials generally have good thermal stability within a certain temperature range. This makes them suitable for various electronic applications that involve heat generation.
The following are the advantages of solar backsheet materials combining FR-4 and PET foam boards:
  • Mechanical Strength and Stability
    The combination of FR-4 and PET foam provides both structural strength and stability to the solar backsheet. FR-4’s mechanical properties and PET foam’s lightweight core contribute to the overall robustness of the panel.
  • Lightweight Design
    PET foam’s lightweight properties reduce the overall weight of the solar panel, making it easier to handle during installation and transportation.
  • Thermal Insulation
    The PET foam core of the sandwich panel acts as a thermal insulator, minimizing heat transfer between the solar cells and the external environment. This insulation can help improve the panel’s energy efficiency and performance.
  • Electrical Insulation
    Both FR-4 and PET foam have good electrical insulation properties. This prevents electrical contact between the solar cells and the backsheet, ensuring the safety and functionality of the solar panel.
  • Fire Resistance
    FR-4’s flame-retardant properties enhance the safety of the solar panel by reducing the risk of fire propagation.
  • Environmental Protection
    The composite structure formed by FR-4 and PET foam provides protection against moisture, UV radiation, and other environmental factors that can degrade the solar panel over time.
  • Customization
    The design of the sandwich panel can be customized to meet specific requirements, allowing manufacturers to tailor the thickness, dimensions, and other parameters according to the solar panel’s specifications.
  • Longevity
    The combination of durable FR-4 and resilient PET foam can contribute to the overall longevity of the solar panel, reducing maintenance and replacement costs.
  • Cost-Efficiency
    While incorporating FR-4 and PET foam may involve initial material costs, the long-term benefits in terms of performance and durability could result in cost savings over the panel’s lifecycle.
  • Regulatory Compliance
    Using FR-4 and PET foam may help solar panels meet industry standards and regulations related to fire safety, electrical insulation, and environmental protection.