Solar Industry Warned: UV Degradation Threatens PV Modules
The solar industry has been aware of a significant issue for about two and a half years: ultraviolet (UV)-induced degradation in photovoltaic (PV) modules. This news comes as solar and wind power represent around 11% to 12% of the U.S. energy mix each, while coal sits just under 15%.
Research has shown that UV-induced degradation is a real problem, affecting various solar cell technologies, including perovskite and silicon-based tandems. Recent studies have explored its spectral dependence and practical relevance, with NREL researchers reporting unexpectedly high levels of degradation in field-installed n-type silicon modules.
Manufacturers can mitigate this issue through careful process control or additives to the encapsulant. However, comparing indoor and outdoor UV degradation results remains uncertain. Therefore, thorough UV testing should become a standard part of quality control for both manufacturers and buyers.
It's not just tunnel oxide passivated contact (TOPCon) modules at risk; other technologies may also be vulnerable. Dark storage after UV testing can exacerbate degradation, but this can be reversed with light soaking. Two mechanisms are at work here: one causing irreversible damage, the other reversible.
UV degradation, if not addressed, can significantly impact the economic viability of large PV projects. As solar and wind power continue to grow in the U.S. energy mix, understanding and mitigating this issue is crucial for the industry's long-term success.
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