Main dimensions of solar glass

What are the characteristics of glass for solar applications?

For solar applications the main attributes of glass are transmission, mechanical strength and specific weight. Transmission factors measure the ratio of energy of the transmitted to the incoming light for a specific glass and glass width. Ratio of the total energy from an AM1-5 source over whole solar spectrum from 300 - 2,500nm wavelength.

What G-value should a Photovoltaic Glass have?

Photovoltaic glass can be customized to achieve a solar factor between 6% and 41%. A low g-value is desirable to prevent overheating, especially in warm climates, as it prevents the interior temperature from rising too high due to the greenhouse effect.

What type of glass is used in solar panels?

Solar applications require flat glass. So-called Pattern Glass is mostly used as front glass in crystalline modules, whilst float glass is used for both substrate and back glass in thin-film modules. Molten glass is slowly cooled and fed off from the motlen tin.

How much solar energy does commercial glass produce?

Base-line commercial glass has a solar transmission of 83.7%. I.e. 16.3% of the sun's energy do not even get to the PV material. The energy loss is due - in equal parts - to reflection on the surface and absorption within the glass due to iron impurities. The density of glass is about 2,500 kg/m 3 or 2.5kg/m 2 per 1mm width.