Project Name: Adhesive Mounting of Conventional Photovoltaic Modules for Residential Solar
Funding Opportunity: PVRD2
SETO Subprogram: Photovoltaics
Location: Boston, MA
SETO Award Amount: $800,000
Awardee Cost Share: $212,820
Principal Investigator: Christian Honeker
This project aims to reduce the installation cost of photovoltaic (PV) systems by researching a non-penetrating adhesive mounting interface for securing conventional framed and glass-glass modules to asphalt shingles. Key areas of investigation include characterizing and understanding the direction and balance of forces between the proposed adhesive chemistry and the target surface, and the physical changes that take place within and near the mounting materials over time in operating conditions.
Approach
The research team is developing pre-commercial feasible prototypes for framed and glass/glass modules. An evaluation of the adhesive as well as the strength of the load-path will be performed in parallel to the design and fabrication work. Additionally, they are gathering labor and hardware cost data to calculate the levelized cost of electricity and absolute installation cost reduction and the identification of technical or market barriers for broad adoption.
Innovation
This project will develop technology that allows for rooftop solar panels to be installed without the need to pierce through the roofing envelope. Eliminating penetrations has the potential to mitigate the risk of expensive roof leaks, speed module mounting, and reduce the training requirements of the installer. This will also reduce the amount of time required for installation, which will result in lower installer costs for worker insurance, creating a lower levelized cost of electricity.