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Field and laboratory studies of the stability of amorphous silicon solar cells and modules
Journal article   Peer reviewed

Field and laboratory studies of the stability of amorphous silicon solar cells and modules

C.P. Lund, K. Luczak, T. Pryor, J.C.L. Cornish, P.J. Jennings, Phillip Knipe and F. Ahjum
Renewable Energy, Vol.22(1-3), pp.287-294
2001
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/S0960-1481(00)00045-8
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Abstract

If photovoltaic solar cells and modules are to be used as a major source of power generation it is important to have a good knowledge and understanding of their long-term performance under different climatic and operating conditions. A number of studies of the long-term performance of commercially available photovoltaic modules manufactured using different technologies have now been reported in the literature. These have shown clear differences in the seasonal and long term performance and stability of different solar cell techniques. In addition to general module engineering factors that result in a loss of performance in all modules some types of solar cells, such as those made from thin film amorphous silicon (a-Si:H), also suffer specific losses in performance due to fundamental material changes, such as photodegradation or the Staebler-Wronski effect (SWE). A field evaluation of the long term performance of state-of-the-art crystalline and amorphous silicon photovoltaic modules in Australian conditions is currently being undertaken at Murdoch University. The initial results from this monitoring program are reported. This paper also reports on laboratory and field studies being undertaken on the nature of the Staebler-Wronski effect in amorphous silicon solar cells and how the stability of these cells is affected by different operating conditions. Based on a mechanism for the SWE in a-Si:H solar cells developed as a result of our research we propose a number of possible ways to reduce the Staebler-Wronski effect in a-Si:H solar cells. Data on the long-term performance of commercially available photovoltaic modules culled from the literature show differences in the seasonal and long-term operation and stability of various cells. Thin film amorphous silicon cells suffer specific losses in performance due to fundamental material changes, such as photodegradation of the Staebler-Wronski effect (SWE). Initial results from a field evaluation of the long-term performance of crystalline and morphous Si modules in Australian conditions are reported. Avenues for reducing the SWE in amorphous Si cells are proposed, including the use of light trapping to promote uniform illumination of material. (from World Renewable Energy Conf Proceedings, Perth, Australia, Feb 99).

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Citation topics
5 Physics
5.31 Silicon Systems
5.31.186 Silicon Nanostructures
Web Of Science research areas
Energy & Fuels
Green & Sustainable Science & Technology
ESI research areas
Engineering
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