The front glass sheet of photovoltaic (PV) cells plays a crucial role in shielding against water, air infiltration, and other environmental factors. Typically, this glass is designed to be high-temperature resistant, with a thickness ranging from 3.0 to 4.0 millimeters. It is engineered to withstand mechanical loads and temperature variations robustly. The durability of solar panels is assessed by the minimum standard IEC impact test, which gauges the panel's resistance to the impact of a one-inch (25-millimeter) diameter stone traveling at a speed of 60 miles per hour (27 meters per second). In cases of incidents or severe impacts, this high-temperature-resistant glass is uniquely crafted to neither shatter nor spread, ensuring maximum protection and durability.
Most manufacturers opt for high transmissive glass to boost efficiency and performance in solar panels. This specific type of glass stands out for its notably low iron content and an anti-reflective coating on the backside. These features contribute to minimizing damage while further improving light transmission.