Thin-film photovoltaic module degradation

Can thin film photovoltaic modules be used outdoors?

Five thin film photovoltaic modules were deployed outdoors under open circuit conditions after a thorough indoor evaluation. Two technology types were investigated: amorphous silicon (a-Si:H) and copper indium gallium diselenide (CIGS). Two 14 W a-Si:H modules, labelled Si-1 and Si-2, were investigated.

How to reduce the degradation of PV modules?

To reduce the degradation, it is imperative to know the degradation and failure phenomena. This review article has been prepared to present an overview of the state-of-the-art knowledge on the reliability of PV modules.

How to reduce the degradation of photovoltaic systems?

The degradation of photovoltaic (PV) systems is one of the key factors to address in order to reduce the cost of the electricity produced by increasing the operational lifetime of PV systems. To reduce the degradation, it is imperative to know the degradation and failure phenomena.

What factors affect photovoltaic module degradation?

Subsequently the primary stress factors that affect module degradation were summarised; this includes irradiance, temperature, moisture, mechanical stress, soiling and chemicals. Finally, common degradation and failure modes were identified that occur generically in photovoltaic technologies were reviewed.

Why are thin-film multi-junction photovoltaic (PV) cells popular?

Thin-film multi-junction photovoltaic (PV) cells made from the compounds of III–V materials have been widely adopted due to their high light-electricity conversion efficiency and low areal mass density 1, 2.

What are the degradation and failure modes of PV encapsulants?

The main degradation and failure modes of PV encapsulants include discolouration and delamination, such as in Fig. 5. Additionally, encapsulants are often partly responsible for degradation of other module components by facilitating or mediating degradation modes such as corrosion or potential induced degradation (PID) [25, 61, 104, 114, 115].