What is the service life of BIPV solar panels?

With the rapid development of green buildings and renewable energy applications around the world, BIPV modules, as an innovative product that deeply integrates photovoltaic power generation with building materials, are gradually entering the public eye. It not only has the function of power generation, but also can replace traditional building facade materials, such as curtain wall glass, roof tiles, sunshades, etc., to achieve a true "power generation building". However, among the issues that many users are concerned about, "How long is the service life of BIPV modules?" is undoubtedly one of the most core technical indicators. This article will deeply analyze the life performance, influencing factors and how to scientifically extend the service life of BIPV modules from multiple angles, helping users to better plan and operate BIPV systems.

1. The basic composition and function of BIPV modules

Before discussing the life issue, we need to have a clear understanding of the structure of BIPV modules and their usage scenarios. Unlike traditional photovoltaic modules, BIPV modules were originally designed to be "buildings as power stations", which not only bear the function of building components, but also have photovoltaic power generation capabilities.

Common BIPV modules include the following types:

Photovoltaic glass curtain wall

Photovoltaic roof tile

Photovoltaic shading system

Photovoltaic skylight

Photovoltaic skylight

The structure is generally composed of double-layer tempered glass, solar cells, intermediate packaging materials (such as EVA or POE), backboard or second layer of glass, etc., with excellent mechanical strength, safety performance and light transmittance.

2. Theoretical service life of BIPV modules

The theoretical service life of most high-quality BIPV modules on the market is 25 to 30 years, which is equivalent to or even longer than the mainstream high-performance crystalline silicon photovoltaic modules. This life cycle is mainly affected by the following technical factors:

2.1 Cell type

BIPV modules mostly use crystalline silicon (monocrystalline or polycrystalline) cells, and some use thin-film solar cells. Crystalline silicon has high stability and conversion efficiency, and its power decays slowly, which is one of the key factors determining life.

Monocrystalline silicon modules: more than 80% of power output can be retained after 25 years

Thin-film modules (such as CIGS): slightly shorter lifespan, about 20 to 25 years

2.2 Quality of packaging materials

The internal cells of the module need to be packaged with EVA, POE and other materials, and the outside uses high-transmittance tempered glass. If the packaging material has excellent UV resistance and moisture and heat resistance, it can effectively prevent water vapor infiltration and oxidation, and extend the overall lifespan.

2.3 Installation and structural design

BIPV modules need to be used as building components and withstand wind pressure, snow pressure, and temperature changes for a long time. Therefore, the durability of the frame, rubber strips, and installation accessories directly affects its stability and lifespan.

3. Actual factors affecting the lifespan of BIPV modules

Although the theoretical lifespan can reach 25 to 30 years, it may be affected by a variety of environmental and human factors in actual operation, resulting in module performance degradation or failure.

3.1 Climate conditions

Modules in high humidity, high temperature, and strong ultraviolet areas (such as tropical areas) age quickly;

Dry and mild climates (such as plateaus or desert areas) have longer lifespans;

Acid rain and salt spray environments (such as the seaside) easily corrode metal parts, affecting the lifespan of the system.

3.2 Installation quality

Improper installation methods may cause water ingress to the edges of the modules, unstable brackets, and loose wiring;

The failure of edge sealing glue and water vapor infiltration are the main causes of aging of the encapsulation layer.

3.3 Operation and maintenance management

If there is a lack of regular cleaning and inspection, dust accumulation, bird droppings, and leaf shading will affect power generation efficiency;

Failure to promptly detect and deal with hot spots and microcracks will accelerate performance degradation.

3.4 Building structure deformation

As an integrated building component, BIPV modules may be forced to be demolished or damaged if the main building sinks, deforms, or is rebuilt;

This is also one of the important reasons for the difference in service life between it and traditional photovoltaic power stations.

4. How to extend the service life of BIPV modules?

In order to maximize the return on investment and service life of BIPV modules, scientific measures should be taken in the design, construction and operation and maintenance stages:

4.1 Select high-quality products and manufacturers

Preferably select BIPV module suppliers with TÜV and IEC certification;

Check the quality of materials, including cell encapsulation glue, glass thickness, and protection level.

4.2 Reasonable design of building structure

Fully consider the spatial layout, load structure, water vapor discharge channel, etc. of BIPV system integration during the building design stage;

Pay attention to factors such as roof angle, orientation, drainage slope, etc. to ensure the stability of the module use environment.

4.3 Professional installation

Avoid uneven force on the module and damage to the corners;

Use weather-resistant edge sealing glue and structural glue;

Cable routing is neat and the joints are well sealed.

4.4 Regular cleaning and inspection

Clean the surface of the module once a quarter to avoid affecting the light;

Perform electrical inspections every year, including terminal, voltage, and current detection;

Check for hidden dangers such as "hot spots", "glass bursts", and "loose frames".

5. Actual case reference: Life performance of typical BIPV projects at home and abroad

An office building of a BIPV industrial park in Jiangsu, China: built in 2008, it has been in operation for 16 years and still maintains a power generation efficiency of more than 85%. The structure is intact, proving that high-quality BIPV systems can operate stably for a long time;

The Munich Solar Building Exhibition Hall in Germany: As a display project, it has been in operation for more than 20 years and is still generating electricity effectively after regular maintenance;

As an important part of green buildings, BIPV solar panels are both building materials and clean energy carriers. Its theoretical service life can reach 25-30 years. Under the premise of scientific design and standardized use, it can fully achieve long-term stable operation. Unlike ordinary photovoltaic modules, BIPV has higher structural complexity and construction requirements, which poses higher challenges to the professionalism of material selection, design, and operation and maintenance. Therefore, in practical applications, life management should be taken as a key consideration in the design and implementation of BIPV systems, and the quality should be fully controlled to extend the service life, so as to achieve a win-win integration of buildings and energy.

If you are considering installing a BIPV system, or are looking for a high-quality BIPV module manufacturer and integrated solutions, please feel free to contact us. As a professional BIPV product supplier, we will provide you with one-stop design, selection, installation and operation and maintenance services to ensure the long-term efficient and stable operation of the system.

http://www.fgnexsolar.com
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