Solar is increasingly becoming versatile and application-specific. By adapting the materials used, solar module manufacturers are able to offer products that meet different application scenarios. Led by the innovations in materials, today’s solar modules are suitable for a wide range of installation sites characterized by extreme temperatures – both hot and cold –, highly humid and corrosive atmospheres, or regions with intense UV density.
In parallel, PV applications are expanding in scope beyond traditional utility-scale and rooftop systems. Modules are increasingly being deployed in specialized applications such as Building-Integrated PV (BIPV), Vehicle-Integrated PV (VIPV), and Floating PV (FPV). These emerging markets demand not just electrical performance but also new considerations like aesthetics, durability, and integration flexibility. From solar modules designed for agricultural greenhouses and transportation infrastructure to colored modules that match architectural styles, PV technology is evolving to seamlessly blend into various environments. The examples illustrated below reflect how manufacturers are innovating to meet the growing demand for site-specific and application-specific solar solutions, making PV more versatile and adaptable than ever before.
Polymers
One of the most interesting developments among the polymer wraps used in module making is the light conversion film, also known as down-conversion film. It is a technology invented for HJT to protect it from UVID (UV-induced degradation), a well-known inherent limitation of the HJT cell structure. One way to overcome poor UV stability is to use encapsulation films that cut off UV light. While this saves the modules from degradation, it also lowers efficiency. The light conversion film is an innovation that brings the best of both worlds, or at least strikes the right balance between the two. The film essentially converts the UV light into the visible band. The underlying mechanism of this film works through an orbital electron transition process. In addition to protecting the module by reducing UV damage, it also contributes to increased energy yield, offering the dual benefit of improved durability and enhanced efficiency (see Integration Of Zero-Busbar Technology In Advanced Module Designs).
Cybrid is at the forefront of this technology development, with its RayBo brand. Cybrid has licensed the technology from CHOSHU, which acquired the IP rights of the technology from its inventor, Nitto Denko. However, a few other leading encapsulation suppliers are also offering such down-conversion films.
An interesting development in this regard is that there have been a few reports of UVID also affecting TOPCon modules in the field. It can be addressed by optimizing the upstream processes, especially at the cell level, with the optimization of passivation layers. It can also be tackled at the encapsulation level using down-conversion films.
Improving the optical gains using polymers is also gaining traction. The reflective black backsheet is one such development. Backsheet suppliers are applying special coatings on the cell side of the black backsheet that, in addition to keeping the aesthetics intact, also contribute to power gain. HANGZHOU FIRST, for example, emphasizes that its reflective black backsheet attains over 60% infrared reflectance.
Meanwhile, the industry is developing reflective gap films to address energy losses through transparent gaps between cells in bifacial modules. While screen-printed grid patterns have traditionally been used, there have been cases of modules cracking due to uneven heat distribution during processing. Companies like Cybrid now offer a solution in the form of reflective gap films, which can be applied directly to glass or backsheets, avoiding the issues associated with screen printing. These films are available in metallic and more cost-effective non-metallic versions, both offering similar performance benefits.
This text is an excerpt from the TaiyangNews Cell & Module Technology Trends 2025 report, which can be downloaded for free here.
