Main degradation mechanisms of silicon solar cells in Algerian desert climates

Abstract

Overall objective is a review on main degradation mechanisms and failure modes of silicon solar cells in hot desert climates. Previous study findings were carried out at research unit of renewable energy in Saharan middle, Algeria, are discussed to follow the present study. Most of these studies are focused mainly on I-V curves, field measurements or categorizing photovoltaic failure modes concerning polymeric materials. As a result, a great overview of climate and encapsulant polymer induced PV degradation mechanisms is given. The paper reported the change in electrical performance of silicon solar cells such as output power drop, Pm, increase in cell’s series resistance, Rs and decrease in cell’s shunt resistance, Rsh. Main degradation mechanisms in photovoltaic modules in hot desert climates are the physical change of the encapsulant material, highlighting by discoloration and the increase in cell’s series resistance Rs. Optimal performance and efficiecy of these silicon solar cells are influenced negatively by the harsh environmental conditions of Algerian desert. In present study, a lot of effort was put into finding the publications and appropriate data that can be beneficial in further studies on challenges associated with operating photovoltaic panels in hot desert climates.