Source: resystech.com
Solar Panel Lamination
Currently, the most common way to laminate a solar panel is by using a lamination machine. it is used by the large majority of solar panel manufacturers.
In order to laminate a solar panel, two layers of ethylene-vinyl acetate (EVA) are used in following sequence: glass / EVA / solar cell strings / EVA / backsheet.
DIY Lminator
This panel laminator was designed to seal photovoltaic cells between layers of EVA and glass, PET, or ETFE, and produce a bubble free encapsulation that will last for decades. It accomplishes this by creating a vacuum in the panel before heating it up to 100-150°C to sufficiently melt the EVA film around the cells. Once the heat is on, all you have to do is set a timer and find something else to do for a 1/2 hr or so.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6_3gK83bePQ&feature=emb_rel_end
If you're building a large or multiple systems, this means that you can be tabbing cells and cooking panels at the same time to get the project done a whole lot faster, and with professional results. That also means this laminator can open the door to affordable small scale manufacturing for ambitious entrepreneurs, literally saving thousands or even tens of thousands of dollars in upfront costs for a professionally manufactured laminator.
LAMINATOR SPECS
Dimensions: 51”x34”x38” (LxWxH)
Capacity: 28 cell panel or smaller
Operating temperature: 100-150°C
Vacuum: 5 Pa (0.05 mbar)
Laminating time: ~1 hr
