Multiscale Characterization of Photovoltaic Modules—Case Studies of Contact and Interconnect Degradation

Iqbal, Nafis; Colvin, Dylan J.; Curran, Alan J.; Li, Fang; Ganesan, Jeya Prakash; Sulas‐Kern, Dana B.; Harvey, Steven P.; Norman, Andrew G.; Karas, Joseph; TamizhMani, GovindaSamy; Jaubert, Jean-Nicolas; Banerjee, Parag; Huey, Bryan D.; French, Roger H.; Davis, Kristopher O.

doi:10.1109/jphotov.2021.3124751

Cited by 13 publications

(11 citation statements)

References 95 publications

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“…Multiple measurements were performed at exposed metal contact regions on each sample. See the discussion of SIMS measurements applied to degraded c-Si cells in Iqbal et al…”

Section: Methodsmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…Multiple measurements were performed at exposed metal contact regions on each sample. See the discussion of SIMS measurements applied to degraded c-Si cells in Iqbal et al 23 Figure 2a shows a SEM cross section of a Ni−Cu−Sn-plated contact finger harvested from the cell region indicated in Figure 1. This cell was fabricated from a 6″ textured p-type mono-Si aluminum back surface field cell precursor obtained from an industrial manufacturer, lacking a front contact.…”

Section: Methodsmentioning

confidence: 99%

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Copper Outdiffusion from Copper-Plated Solar Cell Contacts during Damp Heat Exposure

Karas

Phua

et al. 2022

ACS Appl. Mater. Interfaces

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Plated copper (Cu) contacts for silicon (Si) solar cells are an attractive alternative material to conventional screenprinted silver, but there are unresolved questions on the long-term integrity of plated contact structures. In this work, we perform characterization on plated Cu contacts from encapsulated cells that were degraded during extended exposure to damp heat (DH) stress. First, using energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy, we find evidence of Cu outdiffusion upward through capping layers made of both tin and silver applied with light-induced plating, resulting in a layer of Cu on the outer contact surface. We hypothesize that if Cu is mobile in the module, it may eventually find some route by which to enter the Si cells where it can degrade performance. Subsequently, in several types of Cu-plated, DH-degraded cells, secondary ion mass spectrometry detects elevated levels of Cu at the Si surface and in the Si cell bulk, which suggests that Cu can indeed migrate from contacts into Si over the course of DH stress.

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“…Multiple measurements were performed at exposed metal contact regions on each sample. See the discussion of SIMS measurements applied to degraded c-Si cells in Iqbal et al…”

Section: Methodsmentioning

confidence: 99%

Section: Methodsmentioning

confidence: 99%

Copper Outdiffusion from Copper-Plated Solar Cell Contacts during Damp Heat Exposure

Karas

Phua

et al. 2022

ACS Appl. Mater. Interfaces

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“…The profitability of a project is of paramount importance for investors, so certain metrics are taken into consideration when assessing the viability of a project. In energy production, one of the metrics used to assess a project is the levelised cost of energy (LCOE, explained on the following sections), that gives, in essence, the energy cost of the intended installation, factoring in the investment costs and its rated capacity, resulting in a figure that allows for an estimation of the profit given the expected lifetime [22,24,100,101]. For a conventional energy production method, the maximum capacity is usually constant during its lifetime, for photovoltaics, however, that is not the case, since the cells suffer an ageing process that reduces their overall performance.…”

Section: Cell Degradationmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…For a conventional energy production method, the maximum capacity is usually constant during its lifetime, for photovoltaics, however, that is not the case, since the cells suffer an ageing process that reduces their overall performance. Therefore, a crucial step in planning is projecting the capacity of the installation during its life time [100][101][102][103].…”

Section: Cell Degradationmentioning

confidence: 99%

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A Photovoltaic Technology Review: History, Fundamentals and Applications

Lameirinhas

Torres

Cunha³

2022

Energies

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Photovoltaic technology has become a huge industry, based on the enormous applications for solar cells. In the 19th century, when photoelectric experiences started to be conducted, it would be unexpected that these optoelectronic devices would act as an essential energy source, fighting the ecological footprint brought by non-renewable sources, since the industrial revolution. Renewable energy, where photovoltaic technology has an important role, is present in 3 out of 17 United Nations 2030 goals. However, this path cannot be taken without industry and research innovation. This article aims to review and summarise all the meaningful milestones from photovoltaics history. Additionally, an extended review of the advantages and disadvantages among different technologies is done. Photovoltaics fundamentals are also presented from the photoelectric effect on a p-n junction to the electrical performance characterisation and modelling. Cells’ performance under unusual conditions are summarised, such as due to temperature variation or shading. Finally, some applications are presented and some project feasibility indicators are analysed. Thus, the review presented in this article aims to clarify to readers noteworthy milestones in photovoltaics history, summarise its fundamentals and remarkable applications to catch the attention of new researchers for this interesting field.

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Degradation of Edge‐Defined Film‐Fed Silicon Glass–Glass Modules on Florida Rooftop After 22 Years

Colvin

Davis

2022

Physica Rapid Research Ltrs

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Thin silicon () adoption can provide significantly lower cost. Kerfless technologies provide thin wafers while preventing material from being wasted. Understanding how this family of processing influences module reliability is important. A set of four edge‐defined film‐fed growth (EFG) silicon modules from a ten‐module system in Florida is measured after 22 years of exposure. Power loss rates of 0.58–0.78% year−1 are measured for three modules, while a rate of 1.32% is measured for a module with severe delamination and corrosion. Short‐circuit current degrades between 10.7% and 13.1% for all modules. The losses are primarily optical and recombination based; however, series and shunt resistance effects play a non‐negligible role. Pre‐existing recombination losses exist but are exacerbated via degradation. Optical losses in short‐circuit current are due in part to encapsulant yellowing. Electroluminescence (EL) images display the effects of processing on bulk quality by clearly showing lines of alternating brightness along the wafer length. To the authors’ knowledge, this is the first article displaying suns– data, effective lifetime versus excess carrier density data, and module EL images for EFG silicon‐based modules.

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Multiscale Characterization of Photovoltaic Modules—Case Studies of Contact and Interconnect Degradation

Cited by 13 publications

References 95 publications

Copper Outdiffusion from Copper-Plated Solar Cell Contacts during Damp Heat Exposure

Copper Outdiffusion from Copper-Plated Solar Cell Contacts during Damp Heat Exposure

A Photovoltaic Technology Review: History, Fundamentals and Applications

Degradation of Edge‐Defined Film‐Fed Silicon Glass–Glass Modules on Florida Rooftop After 22 Years

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