Proposed photovoltaic module form factor to reduce levelized cost of energy
This paper discusses a proposed photovoltaic (PV) module form factor designed for utility-scale, one-axis tracking projects. The purpose of the form factor is to: 1) reduce total installed costs for utility-scale projects; 2) improve module reliability; 3) reduce operating and maintenance (O&M) costs, and 4) improve the project return on investment. The proposed module uses a double-glass construction to improve reliability and service lifetime in a form factor that is longer and narrower than existing 60-cell modules. This form factor places more module area per linear meter of torque tube when used with single-axis trackers. These changes are expected to lower the levelized cost of energy.
Fast curing ethylene vinyl acetate films with dual curing agent towards application as encapsulation materials for photovoltaic modules
To speed up curing of ethylene vinyl acetate (EVA) films as encapsulation materials for photovoltaic modules, a dual curing agent of benzoyl peroxide (BPO) and butylperoxy 2-ethylhexyl carbonate (TBEC) was introduced in this work. The experimental results indicated that for the weight ratio of BPO/TBEC of 0.6/2.4, over 80% gel content of EVA was yielded after curing at 130°C for 12 min. Compared with the case of single curing agent, the present one obviously operated at much lower temperature with faster rate. By carefully studying the influence of curing agent proportion and curing con- ditions on gel content of EVA films, as well as rheology and curing kinetics, the mechanism involved was analyzed and ver- ified. The results are believed to be useful for developing new curing system of EVA encapsulation films with improved processability.
Cure characteristics, morphology, mechanical properties, and aging characteristics of silicone rubber/ethylene vinyl acetate blends
Silicone rubber/ethylene vinyl acetate (SR/EVA) rubber mixes with different ratios were prepared by using dicumyl peroxide (DCP) and benzoyl peroxide (BP) as curing agents. The vulcanization characteristics such as cure kinetics, activation energy, and cure rate of the blends were 
analyzed. The effects of blend ratio and curing agents on the mechanical properties such as stress–strain behavior, tensile strength, elongation at break, tear strength, relative volume loss, hardness, flex crack resistance, and density of the cured blends have been investigated. Almost all the mechanical properties have been found to be increased with increase in EVA content in the blends particularly in DCP-cured systems. The increment in mechanical properties of the blends with higher EVA content has been explained in terms of the morphology of the blends, attested by scanning electron micrographs. Attempts have been made to compare the experimental results, from the evaluation of mechanical properties, with relevant theoretical models. The aging characteristics 
of the cured blends were also investigated and 
found that both the DCP- and BP-cured blends have excellent 
water and thermal resistance. © 2005 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. 
J Appl Polym Sci 99: 1069–1082, 2006