Wuxi Suntech Power Co Ltd and Taiwan Carbon Nanotube Technology Corporation (TCNT) say that they have successfully developed the world's first low-cost carbon nanotube photovoltaic module frame.
The carbon nanotube photovoltaic module frame incorporates carbon and glass fiber composite materials and weighs half as much as aluminum module frames, the companies say.
The plastic components make the carbon nanotube photovoltaic module frame able to resist corrosion and eliminate potential induced degradation (PID) problems, which has long been a challenge for photovoltaic power plants. The modules have already passed testing criteria including IEC61215 standard testing, IEC61701 salt mist corrosion testing, and a high-strength mechanical load test up to 5400Pa at -40°C.
Technical challenges
‘Together with TCNT, we have successfully developed a new type of carbon nanotube photovoltaic module frame – a revolutionary innovation from traditional metal frame modules,’ said Xiong Haibo, President of Wuxi Suntech. ‘The research and development of these modules required us to overcome significant technical challenges, but through the integrated partnership of the two teams, we developed this breakthrough product.’
This story is reprinted from material from Suntech, with editorial changes made by Materials Today. The views expressed in this article do not necessarily represent those of Elsevier.
