3D printed Transparent Sheet for Solar Panel Encapsulation and Thermal Management

The current work demonstrates the potential of 3D-printed polymer sheets for the encapsulation of solar panels for the purpose of prevention and thermal management. The sheets were prepared via a vat-photopolymerization-based 3D printing technique utilizing a photocurable polymer. The optimized sheet showed 92% transparency with a UV wavelength blocking capability from the range of 200-400 nm. A reduction in around 5 degrees C in the temperature from the surface of the solar panel was observed when the solar panel was exposed to a solar simulator for 5 min as compared to the surface temperature from the bare panel. The 3D printed sheet is expected to act as the encapsulant and aid in the thermal management of the solar panel.