Ultra-thin Rolled Photovoltaic Glass

The rapid development and application of Building-integrated photovoltaics (BIPV) have driven solar photovoltaic power generation modules towards lighter and thinner designs, effectively improving installation efficiency and reducing the load on buildings. The thickness of rolled photovoltaic glass has gradually transitioned from 3.2 mm and 2.5 mm to 2.0 mm and below. Especially in double-glass modules used in solar photovoltaic power generation, their high power generation efficiency, long lifespan, and ease of building integration have been recognized by the market.

According to the China Photovoltaic Industry Association, the penetration rate of double-glass modules is expected to reach 60% by 2025, becoming the mainstream product in the solar photovoltaic power generation module market, significantly increasing the demand for rolled glass, especially ultra-thin rolled glass.

The development of thinner rolled photovoltaic glass poses many challenges in production. To improve the quality of ultra-thin rolled glass, new materials and technologies are rapidly being applied. New Way Glass will explore the technological solutions related to the ultra-thin rolled photovoltaic glass production line.

The strength and transmittance of rolled photovoltaic glass determine the lifespan and power generation efficiency of photovoltaic modules. Glass transmittance can be achieved by controlling the iron oxide content in the raw materials. However, as the thickness of the rolled glass decreases, the strength of the glass also declines rapidly, seriously affecting the lifespan of photovoltaic modules. Typically, manufacturers increase the aluminum oxide content in soda-lime-silicate glass components to improve strength, but this increases the viscosity of the glass melt, making it more difficult to melt and clarify. Additionally, reducing the thickness of the glass increases the difficulty of rolling and annealing, requiring technological innovations in each process to improve production efficiency and product quality.

Coating-based anti-fog technology represents the most widely adopted economical solution. These coatings primarily utilize metal oxides (titanium dioxide, tin oxide) or organosilicon materials, applied via sol-gel or magnetron sputtering processes to create 50-200nm functional films. The latest coating products maintain fog resistance for 6-12 months while preserving over 90% light transmittance and below 2% haze, meeting daily usage requirements.

Electrothermal anti-fog systems embody premium solutions. Modern heated glass employs transparent conductive materials like indium tin oxide (ITO) or silver nanowires, achieving rapid heating at safe 5V voltages. For instance, automobile rear windows typically integrate 0.1mm-wide heating wires spaced 2-3cm apart, eliminating fog within 3-5 minutes. Advanced smart heated glass incorporates humidity sensors and automatic control systems that adjust heating power according to environmental changes, optimizing both anti-fog performance and energy efficiency.

Nanocomposite anti-fog technology marks the most groundbreaking recent development. Novel SiO2-TiO2 nanocomposites regulate surface energy to achieve near-0° water contact angles, creating "superhydrophilic" effects. This technology not only delivers exceptional anti-fog performance but also incorporates self-cleaning properties. Experimental data shows an 85% reduction in bacterial adhesion on treated surfaces, making it particularly suitable for sterile environments like operating rooms and biological laboratories.

Improving the transmittance of ultra-thin photovoltaic glass can effectively enhance the efficiency of solar photovoltaic modules. The industry is conducting in-depth research on the pattern design of rolled glass, the development of anti-reflective coatings, and the application of nanomaterials. Exploring new process technologies to increase transmittance is also a key focus for researchers.

Anti-fog glass applications are rapidly expanding across virtually all scenarios requiring clear visibility. In transportation, beyond conventional automotive windshields, high-speed rail, aircraft, and marine portholes are adopting composite anti-fog solutions. Boeing 787's electrochromic windows integrate anti-fog functionality to maintain clarity at cruising altitudes. Architecturally, anti-fog glass curtain walls excel in high-humidity environments like aquatic centers and greenhouses. A Dubai waterpark's panoramic curtain wall maintains transparency even under extreme conditions of 50℃ and 90% humidity using active anti-fog systems.

The home appliance sector represents one of the fastest-growing markets for anti-fog glass. Premium refrigerator doors with anti-fog glass can reduce energy consumption by 15%, while smart bathroom mirrors combine anti-fog, lighting, and touchscreen functionalities. Medical applications demonstrate particularly urgent demand, with surgical lights, endoscopes, and incubators requiring reliable, long-lasting anti-fog solutions. One international brand's surgical light employs a patented triple-layer anti-fog structure to ensure zero fogging during prolonged procedures.

Future anti-fog glass will evolve toward intelligent, multifunctional directions. Emerging technologies include photothermal-responsive materials that automatically adjust anti-fog properties based on light intensity, and biomimetic surfaces mimicking desert beetles' water-harvesting capabilities. With 5G proliferation, innovative products like AR-compatible anti-fog glass and smart dimming glass will emerge. Anti-fog glass technology will continue advancing to deliver clearer, safer, and more intelligent visual experiences for humanity.