Coextruded solar panel backsheet and method of manufacture

Abstract

An improved backsheet used in the construction of solar panels is disclosed. A method of manufacturing the backsheet and solar panel comprising the backsheet, including coextrusion processes are also disclosed. Additionally, a photovoltaic solar panel module comprising the backsheet of the invention is disclosed. The backsheet of the instant invention may comprise an exterior layer having inner and outer surfaces, a middle layer, having inner and outer surfaces, and an interior layer having inner and outer surfaces. In one embodiment of the invention, the outer surface of the middle layer may be adjoined to the inner surface of the exterior layer, and the inner surface of the middle layer may be adjoined to the outer surface of the interior layer. The exterior layer, middle layer, and interior layer may be adjoined via a co-extrusion process, thereby eliminating the need for the use of adhesives for bonding the layers of the backsheet together. The backsheet of the invention improves upon the efficiency, strength, weather resistance, cost, and useful life of the solar panels in which the backsheet is incorporated.