CCA PV ribbon in photovoltaic systems, advantages and potential pitfalls are summarized, about what are the benefits of CCA PV ribbon, the application scenarios are introduced.
Advantages of CCA PV ribbon
Cost Advantages
The biggest advantage of CCA PV ribbon is its low cost. Aluminum as the core material significantly reduces production costs, while copper as the outer material provides sufficient electrical conductivity, making it ideal for cost-sensitive low-power or short-term use PV systems.
Lighter weight
CCA PV ribbons are much lighter than pure copper ribbons, which reduces the total weight of the PV system and facilitates transportation and installation.
Suitable for low power applications
In PV systems with low power requirements, CCA PV ribbon meets the basic power transmission needs and provides some electrical conductivity.
Pitfalls and potential risks of CCA PV ribbon
Conductivity Gap
Although the copper layer of the CCA PV ribbon provides a certain level of electrical conductivity, it still suffers from a higher resistance compared to pure copper ribbons. Especially at high power outputs, the voltage drop of the CCA PV ribbon increases, leading to a decrease in power transfer efficiency and affecting the overall power generation capacity of the system. The conductivity of the CCA PV ribbon may further degrade during long-term operation, especially under high load conditions.
Lower mechanical strength
Copper-clad aluminum has lower tensile strength and bending resistance than pure copper, which means that the CCA PV ribbon may fracture or deform during long-term exposure to harsh weather conditions, affecting the stability and reliability of the PV system. Damage to copper-clad aluminum may be exacerbated by long-term temperature variations, wind, and the effects of temperature and humidity.
Difference in coefficient of thermal expansion
Differences in the coefficients of thermal expansion of copper and aluminum can create stresses during temperature changes, which may lead to delamination or deformation of the CCA PV ribbon, affecting the stability of the solder contact and further reducing the overall efficiency of the PV module.
Corrosion Problems
CCA PV ribbon is susceptible to galvanic corrosion in humid environments or corrosive environments, especially areas containing electrolytes. The copper layer may oxidize or corrode, which increases contact resistance, reduces electrical conductivity, and may lead to embrittlement or fracture of the solder ribbon, greatly affecting the long-term operation and reliability of the PV module.
Processing Issues
Insufficient thickness or incomplete bonding of the copper layer during the processing of CCA PV ribbons may lead to a reduction in the strength and conductivity of the ribbons, which are prone to failure, especially in extreme environments.
Environmental compatibility issues
The pitfalls of CCA PV ribbons are magnified when used in humid environments, in areas with large temperature differences between day and night, and especially when used in high humidity, low temperatures, or extreme climates. Moisture erosion and oxidation can exacerbate the breakdown of the bond between the copper layer and the aluminum substrate, resulting in poor electrical contact and thus compromising system reliability.
International Standards and Recommendations
IEC Standards
According to the International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC) standards, although copper-clad aluminum has advantages in cost control, its performance in extreme environments such as high loads, high temperatures and high humidity is poor, which can easily lead to a decline in electrical conductivity.The IEC recommends that in application scenarios that require stable operation over time, preference should be given to pure copper, especially in the long term operation of photovoltaic systems, where the electrical conductivity and reliability of pure copper is much more Stable.
ASTM Standards
According to the American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM) standard, ASTM B609 states that copper-clad aluminum materials may lead to a decrease in electrical conductivity at high temperatures and in humid environments, affecting the operation of the electrical system. The ASTM B170 standard, on the other hand, emphasizes the advantages of pure copper in terms of conductivity, durability and safety, and is particularly suitable for photovoltaic systems that require high long-term stability.
Standards for photovoltaic applications
In the field of photovoltaics, the IEC 61730 standard recommends the use of pure copper ribbons instead of CCA PV ribbons, especially in applications with high reliability requirements. Pure copper materials provide more stable and long-lasting performance, ensuring that the PV system works reliably over the long term.
Conclusion
Despite the lower cost and certain application advantages of CCA PV ribbon, the pitfalls in terms of high power output, long-term stability, and environmental adaptability cannot be ignored. When used in high temperatures, high humidity, dampness or harsh environments, CCA PV ribbon may suffer from reduced electrical conductivity, insufficient mechanical strength, and increased corrosion, which may lead to reduced efficiency and increased failures of PV systems in long-term operation.
According to international standard recommendations, while CCA PV ribbon is suitable for low power, short-term use in PV applications, pure copper solder tape is still a more reliable choice for PV systems requiring long-term stability. When selecting a ribbon material, a combination of cost, performance, usage environment and long-term system stability must be considered.