Quick test for reversible and irreversible PID of bifacial PERC solar cells

authored by: Kai Sporleder, Marko Turek, Nadine Schüler, Volker Naumann, David Hevisov, Clemens Pöblau, Stephan Großer, Henning Schulte-Huxel, Jan Bauer, Christian Hagendorf
Abstract: High voltage stress at the rear side of bifacial PERC cells leads to severe power losses. In contrast to monofacial PERC solar cells, reversible de-polarization related potential induced degradation (PID-p) and irreversible corrosive potential induced degradation (PID-c) can occur. Our results show that a reliable assessment of the solar cells power losses requires a modified PID test method which includes illumination in addition to the high voltage stress test. Furthermore, a recovery step needs to be added to the test scheme to separate reversible PID-p contributions from irreversible PID-c damages. We show that both, the degree of degradation as well as the contributions of PID-p and PIC-c depend sensitively on the solar cell under consideration. Thus, we propose to include both illumination during PID stress as well as a recovery step in the PID test scheme for bifacial PERC cells. Additionally, we show that the most sensitive cell parameter for the detection of rear side PID is given by the rear side measurement of the short circuit current. Finally, we present results showing that a 0.1 sun illumination during this characterization step is sufficient for an assessment of the PID. Based on these results, we propose a test setup which combines the required stress test conditions with an in-situ tracking of the PID.
External Organisation(s): Fraunhofer Center for Silicon Photovoltaics (CSP)
Freiberg Instruments
Institute for Solar Energy Research (ISFH)
Leipzig University
Type: Article
Journal: Solar Energy Materials and Solar Cells
Volume: 219
ISSN: 0927-0248
Publication date: 01.2021
Publication status: Published
Peer reviewed: Yes
ASJC Scopus subject areas: Electronic, Optical and Magnetic Materials, Renewable Energy, Sustainability and the Environment, Surfaces, Coatings and Films
Sustainable Development Goals: SDG 7 - Affordable and Clean Energy
Electronic version(s): https://doi.org/10.1016/j.solmat.2020.110755 (Access: Closed)