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New Energy PV Module Encapsulation: How Does Pressure-Sensitive Adhesive Tape Resist UV Rays and Water to Extend Module Lifespan?

2025-11-19

Solar panels are designed to work for about three decades, generating electricity from sunlight. Sadly, in the absence of properly sealed edges, strong sun, heat, rain, and cold can damage these panels. Sunlight weakens plastic parts and makes them yellow, while water finds its way in and corrodes the metallic parts.

Before now, solar panel manufacturers relied on rubber strips or slow-drying glue. Interestingly, a new tape known as pressure-sensitive adhesive tape (PSA tape) does a better job. The tape is applied only by pressing it on the surface. There is no heating or waiting, and it sticks effortlessly and stays this way for more than 10 years.

We will find out more about how pressure-sensitive adhesive tapes resist UV rays and water to extend module lifespan, but before we go on, let's find out what a PSA tape is.

What is a Pressure-Sensitive Adhesive Tape?

A Pressure-Sensitive Adhesive (PSA) Tape is a type of tape designed to form a bond with an underlayer after the application of light pressure. There is no need for a solvent, water, or heat to kickstart adhesion.

New Energy PV Module Encapsulation: How Does Pressure-Sensitive Adhesive Tape Resist UV Rays and Water to Extend Module Lifespan? 1

How PSA Tape Stops Sun Damage (UV Protection)

At first glance, it is impossible to spot the effect of sunlight on plastics. However, the sun's UV rays have a strong effect on plastics. This makes the plastic yellowish, get hard and crack, or lose its stickiness, ultimately letting water in.

PSA tapes come with a couple of features that make them ideal for fighting UV rays. First, they possess UV blockers that catch the sun's rays, converting them into harmless heat. Furthermore, they have radical catchers that hold on to dangerous particles that attempt to break the plastic. Plus, they have a strong web that ties the plastic together, preventing it from falling apart.

Pressure-Sensitive Adhesive Tapes have gone through several tests in the lab, and this is the result:

Time in Test	Real-World Years	Tape Still Sticky?
5,000 hours	10 years	Yes – 92% strength
7,000 hours	14 years	Yes – 88% strength

Although PSA tapes are accepted as theoretically strong, they have produced some real-life results. A simple example of this is an array of solar panels in the hot Atacama Desert that used PSA tapes in 2013. 12 years later, these tapes still look perfect and show no yellowing or signs of cracking anytime soon.

How PSA Tapes Keep Water Out

On the surface, it might seem that water has no effect on solar panels, but something as minute as a tiny drop of water in a panel can stop the flow of electricity. It can also make layers fall apart and rust silver wires. These are significant challenges, but can be easily fixed by Pressure-Sensitive Adhesive Tapes.

So, how do PSA tapes block water?

Well, there are three basic ways PSA tapes help in blocking water. The first is that it fills absolutely every gap. All you need to do is press the tape to the gap to fill. Once you do this, the tape flows into tiny holes, sealing them in the process.

Next, a PSA tape creates a water-resistant surface that makes raindrops roll off like water on the surface of a new car. That's not all. The tape also creates a super-tight plastic that water can't go through.

Overall, PSA tapes are considered 100 times more effective than old glue.

Ease of Using Pressure-Sensitive Adhesive (PSA) Tape

A pressure-sensitive adhesive (PSA) tape, also commonly known as sticky tape, is as easy and user-friendly as an adhesive solution can be. Although it's a lot different from a handful of adhesive solutions, what makes it really stand out is the fact that all you need to make it bond is small pressure, which your fingers can provide.

A few factors that make PSA easy to use are:

Instant Bonding

This tape sticks immediately when it comes in contact with a material. You simply need very light pressure. You never have to worry about making a mess or waiting.

No Devices Needed

Pressure-Sensitive Adhesive Tapes can be used for complex situations, but that doesn't mean they can't be used at home. As a matter of fact, it's as important for roadside and office use as it is for solar panels. Once you have it, all you need is your fingers with no device involved.

It Delivers Clean Results

You don't have to worry about spills, brushes, or glue pots. Plus, it is perfect for quick fixes, crafts, and kids.

How to Apply a PSA Tape

A Pressure-Sensitive Adhesive Tapes is a lot easier to use than you might have imagined. With these four easy steps, you can apply a PSA tape either on solar panels or on any other materials:

First, wipe the surface with a piece of cloth, alcohol, or soap and water. These materials are effective in cleaning oil and dust from any surface.
Continue by cutting the tape. For this stage, you need a pair of scissors or a built-in cutter.
Unroll the packing for single-sided tapes or peel off the backing for double-sided tapes.
Press firmly with your fingers: Apply some pressure for 3-6 seconds.

That is all. Of course, you don't necessarily need the tape to dry.

Getting the Best from PSA Tapes

Pressure-Sensitive Adhesive Tapes might be easy to install, but not everyone can get the best out of them. However, that's not a problem, as getting the best out of tapes is quite easy with the right guide. When looking to get value for whatever you spend on a PSA tape, it's important you pick the right tape for the condition you are working in. Also, ensure you prep the surface to apply the tape.

Finally, storage is important. PSA tapes should be stored in an air-conditioned room and with silica gel to retain their adhesive strength. Check our store for pressure-sensitive green energy adhesive tapes.

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