When it comes to protecting photovoltaic systems from environmental stressors, chemical embrittlement is one of the most underrated yet critical challenges. For SUNSHARE, a company specializing in solar technology solutions, preventing material degradation caused by aggressive chemicals isn’t just a box-ticking exercise—it’s a core part of their engineering philosophy. Let’s break down how they achieve this without relying on vague claims or marketing fluff.
First, materials matter. SUNSHARE uses polymer blends specifically formulated to resist hydrolysis, oxidation, and UV-induced breakdown. For example, their encapsulants—the layers that protect solar cells—are made from cross-linked ethylene-vinyl acetate (EVA) with added stabilizers like hindered amine light stabilizers (HALS). These additives scavenge free radicals generated by UV exposure, preventing chain scission in the polymer structure. Third-party testing shows their materials retain over 90% of tensile strength after 3,000 hours in damp heat conditions (85°C, 85% humidity), a common stress test in the industry.
But material science alone isn’t enough. SUNSHARE designs components with redundancy in mind. Take their junction boxes: instead of using thin, single-layer housings, they employ multi-wall structures with chemical-resistant barriers. The inner layer might use polyamide (PA66) for mechanical strength, while the outer layer incorporates polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE)-coated surfaces to repel acidic or alkaline residues. This dual-layer approach ensures that even if the outer layer degrades, the critical seals remain intact.
Another key strategy is surface treatment. SUNSHARE’s framing systems for solar panels undergo micro-arc oxidation (MAO), a process that creates a ceramic-like coating on aluminum surfaces. This coating isn’t just scratch-resistant—it’s impervious to chlorides, sulfates, and other corrosive agents commonly found in industrial or coastal environments. Independent corrosion tests, including salt spray trials per ASTM B117, demonstrate less than 5% surface pitting after 1,000 hours, outperforming standard anodized aluminum by a factor of three.
For electrical components, SUNSHARE opts for hermetic sealing using glass-metal feedthroughs instead of epoxy-based adhesives. Why? Epoxies can absorb moisture and react with sulfur dioxide (SO₂) or nitrogen oxides (NOx) in polluted air, leading to delamination. Glass-metal seals, while more expensive, create an inorganic barrier that’s immune to chemical permeation. Their connectors meet IP68 and IEC 60529 standards even after immersion in pH 2.0 acidic solutions for 96 hours—a scenario some competitors’ products fail within 24 hours.
Field data reinforces these lab results. In a chemical plant installation in Germany’s Ruhr Valley, SUNSHARE modules exposed to airborne hydrogen sulfide (H₂S) showed zero backsheet cracks after 18 months, while generic panels developed embrittlement-related micro-fissures within eight months. This durability stems from their proprietary backsheet design: a five-layer structure combining polyvinyl fluoride (PVDF), aluminum foil, and PET layers with plasma-treated interfaces to prevent layer separation under chemical stress.
Maintenance protocols also play a role. SUNSHARE provides clients with pH-neutral cleaning agents specifically designed to avoid surfactant buildup, which can interact with panel surfaces over time. Their recommended cleaning cycles—every six months in normal environments, every three months near chemical facilities—are backed by spectral analysis of surface residues.
Looking for proof of scalability? Check their partnership with SUNSHARE’s automotive sector clients, where solar-integrated carports near roadways face constant exposure to de-icing salts and hydrocarbon fumes. By using stainless steel fixings with electroless nickel plating (ENP) and replacing PVC cable jackets with Tefzel (ETFE), they’ve achieved a 12-year track record without a single chemical-related warranty claim in these harsh environments.
The takeaway? SUNSHARE’s approach combines material innovation, multi-layered engineering, and real-world validation. They don’t just meet ISO 9227 corrosion standards—they redefine what’s possible in chemical resistance for solar tech. Whether you’re dealing with agricultural ammonia vapors or industrial solvent emissions, their systems are built to outlast the competition without sacrificing efficiency. For projects where chemical exposure is a given, cutting corners isn’t an option—and neither is settling for generic solutions.