Encapsulant short cutting question

[DeepPurple23]

I've been doing a ton of reading regarding a possible build of panels. One thing that has me a little puzzled, has to do with the encapsulate. I've watched some videos and several items jump out at me. I've seen people basically just "burn off" the excess EVA. However, in my mind that means that when the EVA cures it will shrink to some extent leaving the encapsulate short of the glass. Then once the frame is in place, you now have the potential for moisture to damage the panel over the various seasons. I live in IL so winter is real here (not real bad, just real enough).

Let me know if this is an issue or if I'm just on the wrong track.

I welcome the feedback.

[Naptown]

Laminate all at once
Make the glass about 1/2" bigger all the way around.ake the EVA even larger and trim to glass after curing.
When installing in frame (make sure you allow space at the edges for this) then silicone the glass to the frame and the edge at the back to seal edges a bit better
Don't forget to laminate the resale backing with the rest of the layip

[DeepPurple23]

Thanks Naptown. That makes sense. I had in my mind that the glass and the backing should be the same size. As a result due to shrinkage I kept seeing a "gap" at the edge that would gather moisture over time and expand/contract to eventually ruin my panel. I see how this approach will work better.

[inetdog]

Thanks Naptown. That makes sense. I had in my mind that the glass and the backing should be the same size. As a result due to shrinkage I kept seeing a "gap" at the edge that would gather moisture over time and expand/contract to eventually ruin my panel. I see how this approach will work better.

Just in case you did not take this into consideration, be sure to also allow enough space between the edges of the outside cells and the edge of the panel that you do not have a "shadow box" effect from the frame or racking when the sun is coming in at a low angle. (Well, still high enough to be producing something worthwhile, but lower than straight on.)

The extra space around the backing will help with this too.