Recovery of Light Induced Degradation in Amorphous Silicon Solar Cells and Modules

Abstract

This study concentrates on finding a possible method of annealing amorphous silicon solar modules degraded by prolonged exposure to light. The aim of annealing is the recovery of initial efficiency. This should be done on the module's work site or through simple indoor maintenance. Ideally the annealing temperature should be as low as possible and the annealing time as short as possible. The annealing process of laboratory cells and commercially available triple junction solar modules was performed at temperatures 70 ºC -110 ºC. The degree of efficiency recovery as a function of temperature and time of exposure to heating was investigated. The influence of factors affecting the rate of degradation and recovery such as short-circuiting, work under load or exposure to light, were also taken into account.

Indoor Photovoltaics and It’s Applications

“…The regaining of the early effect of amorphous single boundary solar cells can be done in the triple layered amorphous silicon (germanium) solar unit [9]. One boundary solar cells performs at accepted condition at 35 ºC [9]. Temperature can be restrained by a thermocouple attached to the cell or module.…”