RV solar panels can turn yellow due to a combination of UV Exposure, Moisture Ingress, Quality of Materials, and Environmental Factors. Yellowing occurs when the EVA (Ethylene Vinyl Acetate) encapsulation material used in solar panels degrades. And, as it degrades it begins to turn yellow.
Here’s Why Solar Panels Turn Yellow
Have you ever seen a yellow-colored solar panel? Ever wondered why they tend to discolor over time? The answer is pretty simple. It’s all down to the degradation of a material used to construct the solar panels. Specifically, it’s a material called EVA (Ethylene Vinyl Acetate).
Over time this material can be broken down and degraded. When this happens it tends to change color and become yellow in appearance. The key contributory factors are: UV Exposure, moisture, Low Quality Materials, and Other Environmental Factors. Let’s take a closer look.
UV Exposure
The key reason solar panels turn yellow is UV exposure. Solar panels are constantly exposed to sunlight. This is how they generate electricity. And, sunlight contains ultraviolet UV rays. Over time, these rays trigger a degradation in the EVA encapsulation material used to construct the panels. This degradation causes a yellow discoloration on the surface of the solar panel.
Moisture
Moisture is another key reason why RV solar panels turn yellow. Specifically, moisture ingress. If moisture gets through the panel’s protective layers it begins to cause problems. And, one of those problems is that it accelerates EVA degradation. Moisture ingress occurs when the panel glass becomes cracked or thanks to poor installation.
Low-Quality Materials
Another key contributor to the yellowing of solar panels is the use of low-quality materials. Especially, the quality of the EVA material used in the construction process. Poorly formulated EVA is more prone to yellowing. Higher quality EVA stands the test of time better and is more resistant to changing color.
Other Environmental Factors
Several other environmental factors play a role in solar panel yellowing. These include excessively high temperatures, humidity levels, and even environmental pollution. These factors place an additional strain on the EVA and can accelerate its degradation and yellowing. Especially when combined with high UV exposure, moisture ingress, and the use of low-quality construction materials.
What Is the Impact of Solar Panel Yellowing?
Solar panel yellowing is bad news. If your panels are beginning to show signs of color change, you’ve got a problem. Yellowing reduces light transmission, reduces efficiency, and shortens the lifespan of solar panels.
Reduced Light Transmission
Yellowing and discoloration reduce light transmission on the surface of the solar panel. This means there is less sunlight reaching the photovoltaic cells. Yellowing of the panel surface leads to decreased transparency. This has the effect of blocking sunlight as it strikes the surface of the unit.
Lower Efficiency
And, reduced sunlight transmission means lower efficiency. Once you have less light reaching the all-important photovoltaic cells, you have less energy conversion. This means less power reaching your leisure battery and less power to run your electrical devices.
Shortened Lifespan
Solar panel yellowing reduces the lifespan of your panels. Once they start turning yellow you begin to suffer from lower efficiency and reduced energy production. This means you will have to replace your panels sooner than you hoped. Especially if you want to continue enjoying the same levels of electricity production.
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How Do You Prevent Solar Panel Yellowing?
How do you prevent an RV solar panel from turning yellow? Easy, there are some simple steps you can take to protect your solar panels, maximize their lifespan, and protect them from turning yellow, here’s how.
1: UV Protective Coating
The best way to prevent solar panel yellowing is to apply a UV protective coating. The simplest way is to add an anti-reflective coating that also offers UV protection. This layer shields your solar panels from harmful UV rays that cause yellowing.
Don’t worry, applying a UV protective coating will not reduce the efficiency of your solar panel. UV light is not used to create electricity. So, blocking it out will not impact your electricity production. Some premium RV solar panels come with protective coatings already applied.
2: Site Selection & Positioning
Careful site selection and positioning can be employed to help reduce yellowing. For example, you can reduce panel damage by choosing a site with favorable environmental conditions. Areas with lower UV levels and moderate temperatures work best. Shielding your panels from the most harmful UV rays will prolong their lifespan and prevent yellowing.
3: Cleaning & Maintenance
Regular cleaning is a great way of preventing discoloration of solar panels. All you have to do is gently remove dust, dirt, and other contaminants that build up on the glass surface of the panel. Over time, dust and grime tend to accumulate on solar panel surfaces.
Wipe all this away and make sure your panels remain clean and contaminant-free. Refer to your manufacturer’s guidelines for cleaning instructions. In general, non-abrasive and non-reactive cleaning agents work well. Now you know why do RV solar panels turn yellow – and how to stop it.
4: High-Quality EVA Materials
Solar panel yellowing is caused by the breakdown and degradation of the Ethylene Vinyl Acetate (EVA) encapsulants used to construct the device. You can delay and even prevent yellowing by choosing panels made using the finest quality EVA that is specifically formulated to resist UV degradation.
These EVA materials have been modified to include special additives that resist UV discoloration. One such material is ‘polyolefin‘. This has been shown to be more resistant to color change compared to regular EVA. Even when exposed to high UV levels, these solar panels resist yellowing and remain in optimal operating condition.
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About the Author
Richard Weber
Richard Weber is a renewable energy stalwart who landed here from the UK in the ’90s. With over 20 years in the renewable energy field, Richard boasts expertise in both solar and wind energy.
A sports enthusiast, his loyalty spans continents, following the English Premier League and the NFL – cheering for the Arizona Cardinals. Beyond the field of solar power, his interests include judo, running, and home improvement DIY.
When he’s not optimizing energy solutions, Richard spends quality time with his two kids, balancing work and family life.
