• Energy Research

This study investigates the potential of chemically strengthened soda-lime-silicate (SLS) glass to mitigate Potential Induced Degradation (PID-s) caused by the shunting mechanism in photovoltaic (PV) modules, a key factor in efficiency losses in these systems. PID-s primarily results from the migration of sodium ions (Na+) from the SLS glass into the cell junctions, leading to reduced performance. In this study, we modified commercial SLS glass through an ion exchange process, substituting Na+ ions with potassium (K+) ions, which have a larger ionic radius, to improve resistance to PID-s. The modified glass was tested in a PIDcon Bifacial Device under accelerated test conditions, and the results were compared with untreated SLS glass. The findings showed that chemically strengthened SLS glass with K+ content significantly reduced Na+ migration compared to standard SLS glass. Given that cover glasses are the primary structural elements in PV modules, we also examined the mechanical properties and demonstrated that the ion exchange process improved the strength of the SLS glass by introducing a surface compressive stress state. Our results suggest that SLS glass, commonly used in the PV module industry, is a cost-effective solution for reducing PID-s degradation, and integrating this feature into modules does not necessitate the use of more expensive glass compositions, such as aluminosilicates, which are typically used for ion exchange treatments.

This study investigates the potential of chemically strengthened soda-lime-silicate (SLS) glass to mitigate Potential Induced Degradation (PID-s) caused by the shunting mechanism in photovoltaic (PV) modules, a key factor in efficiency losses in these systems. PID-s primarily results from the migration of sodium ions (Na+) from the SLS glass into the cell junctions, leading to reduced performance. In this study, we modified commercial SLS glass through an ion exchange process, substituting Na+ ions with potassium (K+) ions, which have a larger ionic radius, to improve resistance to PID-s. The modified glass was tested in a PIDcon Bifacial Device under accelerated test conditions, and the results were compared with untreated SLS glass. The findings showed that chemically strengthened SLS glass with K+ content significantly reduced Na+ migration compared to standard SLS glass. Given that cover glasses are the primary structural elements in PV modules, we also examined the mechanical properties and demonstrated that the ion exchange process improved the strength of the SLS glass by introducing a surface compressive stress state. Our results suggest that SLS glass, commonly used in the PV module industry, is a cost-effective solution for reducing PID-s degradation, and integrating this feature into modules does not necessitate the use of more expensive glass compositions, such as aluminosilicates, which are typically used for ion exchange treatments.

AbstractThe transition in the energy sector has started with the growing population leading to the growing energy demands. The use of photovoltaic (PV) technologies has become a crucial way to meet energy demand. There are many ongoing studies for increasing the efficiency of commercial PV modules. One way to increase the energy yield of the PV modules is to use bifacial solar panels by capturing the rear side illumination as well. One of the challenges for estimating the bifacial module performances is to calculate the solar irradiation impinging on the rear side. Many models presented up to now require high computational power, and they are challenging to implement real-life conditions. In this paper, a simple physical modeling approach is presented to calculate the rear side solar irradiation incident on the bifacial modules. For the rear side irradiance estimation, the maximum difference between the measured and calculated rear side irradiance value is approximately 10 W/m2. The model does not require high computational skills since it is neither focused on the view factor nor ray tracing methodologies but instead uses solar geometry. The yield of the module is also modeled, calculated, and compared with the measurements.

AbstractThe transition in the energy sector has started with the growing population leading to the growing energy demands. The use of photovoltaic (PV) technologies has become a crucial way to meet energy demand. There are many ongoing studies for increasing the efficiency of commercial PV modules. One way to increase the energy yield of the PV modules is to use bifacial solar panels by capturing the rear side illumination as well. One of the challenges for estimating the bifacial module performances is to calculate the solar irradiation impinging on the rear side. Many models presented up to now require high computational power, and they are challenging to implement real-life conditions. In this paper, a simple physical modeling approach is presented to calculate the rear side solar irradiation incident on the bifacial modules. For the rear side irradiance estimation, the maximum difference between the measured and calculated rear side irradiance value is approximately 10 W/m2. The model does not require high computational skills since it is neither focused on the view factor nor ray tracing methodologies but instead uses solar geometry. The yield of the module is also modeled, calculated, and compared with the measurements.