Project R-11241

Microstructural analyses and application-based solutions for PID in advanced PV technologies with a focus on IIPV and BIPV (Research)

Photovoltaic (PV) energy production is the fastest growing renewable energy source worldwide. This is the result of an ever-decreasing levelized cost of energy (LCOE) for PV. The lifetime of PV systems drastically affects the LCOE. Since PV systems are interconnected in series, and the module's frame is grounded, a potential difference occurs resulting in potential-induced degradation (PID). This mechanism affects the PV performance and will drastically increase the LCOE. New PV technologies such as bifacial p-PERC PV cells are of great interest for infrastructure-integrated PV (IIPV) but PID decreases the PV module lifetime. Therefore, acquiring insights into the physics and kinetics of PID in p-PERC devices is necessary to propose application-based solutions with a low LCOE as the main objective. Also, metal halide perovskite solar cells have become a major competitor in the run to lower the LCOE. These PV cells can be used in building-integrated PV (BIPV). Research already showed that these cells are extremely susceptible to PID. Due to the novelty and emergence of this technology, it is of great importance to acquire insights into the physics and kinetics of this degradation mechanism and investigate application-based solutions to increase the device's lifetime.

01 November 2020 - 31 October 2022