Multi layer materials for the encapsulation of thin film modules

This paper points out the efforts made on developing multi layer polymer film materials for encapsulation of thin film solar cells. With a single polymer film (e.g. PET, ETFE) and barrier coatings, such as SiO/sub x/ layers, the extraordinary requirements of thin film technology have not been fulfilled yet. To meet the high requirements of thin film technology, considering the water vapour barrier, two or more single coated polymer film layers were combined with each other using different adhesives. This paper has its focus on answering the following questions: Is there an improvement compared with single layer materials, which values of barrier effect can be reached and how effective is the protection of sensitive thin film solar cells.