New Flexible Panels with ETFE technology have arrived
Date Posted:1 September 2016
Solar 4 RVs has taken delivery of their new premium range of lightweight, flexible solar panels. They have the latest ETFE technology as the top layer plus a robust textured surface.
They will not discolour or degrade from exposure to environmental pollution, UV light, harsh chemicals or extreme temperature variations ensuring a long service life.
There are multiple advantages to utilising this technology on flexible solar panels.
What is ETFE
Ethylene-Tetra-Fluoro-Ethylene (referred to ETFE) is made from an artificial high-strength fluorine polymer, which is corrosion resistant, highly stain resistant, highly elastic, is easy-to-clean, has high light transmittance, and boasts long service life.
Benefits of ETFE
- Stain resistance and easy to clean:
Sunlight reaching the solar cells is obviously a key component of efficiency. Due to the non-adhesive surface properties of the ETFE, these panels are less likely to hold pollutants which can block the sun as deposits of dirt, dust, and debris do not stick and are washed away by the rain resulting in a “self-cleaning” effect.
- Durable:
The film is durable, highly transparent and very lightweight with a thickness of only 0.5 millimeter. The film will not discolour or structurally weaken over time.
- Longevity
ETFE is robust and unlikely to degrade from exposure to environmental pollution, UV light, harsh chemicals or extreme temperature variations.
- Warranty:
Warranty is 2 years whilst panels with no ETFE have a 1 year warranty
Non-slip textured coating:
These panels will also have a non-slip textured surface ideal for the marine environment. The textured surface offers an extra layer of protection and robustness.