Thin-film Modules Research Articles

Picosecond pulsed laser scribing of Cd2SnO4-based CdTe thin-film solar cells on flexible glass

CdTe photovoltaic modules are the most commercially successful thin-film solar cells. In particular, flexible CdTe modules are a promising development in photovoltaic architecture. Cd2SnO4 (CTO) is a low-cost transparent conductive material with excellent optical and electrical properties. Although laser scribing is commonly used to produce cell interconnects in the manufacturing of thin-film PV modules, the laser scribing process window for CTO-based CdTe cells is narrow, and more research is needed on direct laser scribing of flexible CdTe solar cells. In this study, the picosecond pulsed laser scribing of CdTe solar cells with CTO front electrodes and flexible glass substrates was investigated using lasers with the wavelengths of 355 and 532 nm. The flexible cells were suctioned onto a working platform, and a direct ablation method was adopted. The damage and removal thresholds of the CTO, CdTe, and Ni layers were studied and the effects of the spot spacing, multilayer conditions, and laser polarization state were investigated. A method for determining the scribing parameters was proposed. Very smooth scribing grooves were obtained using the optimized laser scribing process. The series and shunt resistances of the cells after laser scribing showed no significant differences compared to those of the control cells.

Simulation study of cadmium-free CIGS solar cell for efficiency enhancement by minimizing recombination losses through back surface field mechanism

Thin-film photovoltaic cells provide benefits over conventional first-generation technology, including lighter weight, greater flexibility, and lower power generation costs. Chalcogenide solar cells offer good efficiency and technological maturity among thin-film technology. In this work, a solar cell device structure, Al/FTO/SnS2/CIGS/CuO/Ni, is examined using SCAPS-1D. Further, by incorporating the back surface field (BSF) layer, the conversion efficiency increased from 18.93 % to 29.88 %, followed by VOC of 0.96 V, JSC of 37.07 mA cm−2, and FF of 83.71 %. This increment in device performance is owing to the lowering back surface recombination velocity and the additional hole tunnelling activity offered by the BSF layer by forming a quasi-ohmic contact, i.e. metal-semiconductor contact with negligible junction resistance relative to the total resistance of the device. Throughout this research work, the authors studied several factors such as surface recombination velocity, temperature impact, front and back contact metal work functions, parasitic resistance impact, gallium proportion, and doping density impact on CIGS solar cells. The work also included a calibration with experimental data from published sources to validate the simulation results.This paper presents a new approach for producing high-efficiency, eco-friendly CIGS solar cells with CuO back surface field mechanism.

SunHydrogen announces agreement with CTF Solar GmbH, global innovator of thin film solar cell modules, to accelerate production of green hydrogen panels

SunHydrogen announces agreement with CTF Solar GmbH, global innovator of thin film solar cell modules, to accelerate production of green hydrogen panels

Tuning the hole transport layer in the Ca3SbI3 absorber-based solar cells to improve the power conversion efficiency

The renewable energy field has been demonstrating a significant deal of interest in lead (Pb)-free inorganic halide perovskites because of their remarkable optical, mechanical, electrical, and structural properties. Investigators have been studying Ca3SbI3-based single junction photovoltaic cells in various layouts, such as an electron transport layer (ETL) constructed of SnS2 and three distinct hole transport layers (HTL) constructed of MoO3, CBTS, and Cu2O. We extensively analyzed various factors using SCAPS-1D simulation software, delving into aspects like the alignment of bands, layer thickness, defect levels, doping levels, interface defects, carrier concentrations, generation, recombination, voltage at the open circuit (VOC), current at the short circuit (JSC), fill factor (FF), and the efficiency of power conversion (PCE) using mathematical methods. The study states that the Cu2O HTL design reached its highest efficiency at 31.65 %, with an open circuit voltage (VOC) of 1.5013 V, a short circuit current (JSC) of 24.036941 mAcm−2, and a fill factor (FF) of 87.71 % and the CBTS HTL setup achieved a slightly lower efficiency of 29.43 %, with a VOC of 1.3946 V, a JSC of 24.05685 mA/cm2, and the value of an FF is 87.71 %. Conversely, the MoO3 HTL design efficiency at 24.7 %, with an open circuit voltage (VOC) of 1.2530 V, a short circuit current (JSC) of 22.846937 mAcm−2, and a fill factor (FF) of 86.29 % These findings offer valuable insights and a practical approach for developing affordable thin-film photovoltaic cells based on Ca3SbI3.

Learning through the design, process, artefact, analysis and evaluation of thin-film modules in nanotechnology

The aim of this study is to report on the implementation of the laboratory activities of the thin-film module in the learning-by-doing programme. It takes a course in nanotechnology through the implementation of design, process, artefacts, analysis and evaluation in a thin film module, which equips students with hands-on activities. Based on the evaluation results, over 70% of the students finds the use of hands-on activities to learn the thin film module of the programme is very helpful. It strengthens their skills whilst motivating them to take an interest in nanotechnology. The program further offers the benefit of implementing hands-on film modules with laboratory activities, thus creating a more effective learning environment for the nanotechnology program. In addition, the favourable response to the project indicates that the thin film module is successful in helping students understand the concepts and applications of nanotechnology. Regardless, by applying thin-film modules in ‘learning by doing’ activities, students can enhance their self-confidence in nanotechnology-related fields in terms of professional knowledge, technical skills and learning attitudes. Most of all, students get a good satisfaction and achievement. Overall, the feedback from students, both quantitative and qualitative, indicates that the thin film module in the nanotechnology programme is well received by the students.

Native surface oxidation phenomena of DC-Sputtered molybdenum thin film in tropical environment

Molybdenum (Mo) is a versatile refractory metal that has been widely used as back contact in thin film photovoltaic cells. However, Mo tends to react with oxygen in ambient environment which influences its original properties. In this study, Mo thin films were stored in different environments (in vacuum desiccator and open air) for 8760 h. Subsequently, these films were characterized and analyzed by Grazing Incidence X-Ray Diffractometer (GIXRD), Raman spectroscopy, Field Emission Scanning Electron Microscopy coupled with Energy Dispersive X-Ray Spectroscopy (FESEM-EDX), Conductive Atomic Force Microscopy (C-AFM), and Hall Effect measurement system. It was found that Mo thin film kept in open air at room temperature undergoes surface oxidation which results in random growth of nanostructured MoOx. Formation of these observed oxide compounds on the surface is correlated with decrement in the electrical conductivity mainly through lower carrier mobility. Preliminary results highlighted from this study can serve as general guideline for handling, storage and transportation requirements forMo thin film in tropical environment.

Impact of post deposition treatment on optoelectrical and microstructural properties of tin sulfide thin film for photovoltaic applications

Tin sulfide (SnS) has attracted significant interest due to its advantageous optoelectrical characteristics and abundant presence in nature. Post-deposition treatments (PDTs) are frequently employed to enhance the crystallinity of chalcogenide-based solar cells. This study examined the influence of the post-deposition heat treatment procedure on thermally evaporated SnS thin film. The post-deposition annealing process, as determined by XRD and AFM studies, supplies the necessary thermal energy for re-crystallization, potentially resulting in a modification of crystallite dimensions. The occurrence of Sn-S polytypes was examined using Raman and XPS studies. Annealing causes changes in the optical properties, as observed through optical analysis, which can be attributed to the improvement in crystallinity. Subjecting the material to annealing at temperature of 300 °C greatly improves both mobility and conductivity, while also causing a change in conduction type. The observed variations in conduction type are attributed to the differing ratios between the amounts of Sn2+ and Sn4+. This strategy offers a novel route for the fabrication of thin-film photovoltaic cells by using a p-type buffer layer.

Single‐Step Chemical Vapor Deposition of Methyl Ammonium Lead Halide Perovskite for p–i‐n Solar Cells

AbstractMetal halide perovskite solar cells being one of the fastest emerging technologies for renewable energy still has to become more industry friendly in a way that will allow using it for thin film modules or tandems with conventional silicon devices. The simplest way to achieve this is to use chemical vapor deposition (CVD) technique for tandem production. In this work, we show a method for a single step production of MAPbI3 films in a simple two‐zone CVD reactor from lead diacetate and methyl‐ammonium iodide powders. Obtained films show highly ordered cubic MAPbI3 phase with a thickness of 400–500 nm, good photoluminescence response and absorption band edge similar to spin‐coated film. We used those films to produce p‐i‐n solar cells with ITO/NiO/MAPbI3/C60/Cu structure. The best cell showed negligible 0.23 % PCE right after the manufacturing but significantly improved to 5.5 % PCE after 8 hours of storage in the dark. The main limiting factor affecting the efficiency is low current density, which we attribute to non‐optimized growth conditions; however, our approach is a first step to a single step CVD deposition of MAPbI3 on any type of substrates including texturized silicon subcells for better overall efficiency

Smart materials for sustainable energy

In the new era of technologies, different smart or responsive materials are used which can respond to external stimuli, such as a specific amount of mechanical stress, pressure, temperature, pH, or sunlight radiations, by modifying their shape or dimensions or mechanical properties. As global temperatures rise and weather patterns become more erratic and severe. The risk to communities with energy-passive structures is growing, smart materials such as smart rooftops, thermoelectrics, photovoltaics, pyroelectrics, chromoactive, photoluminescent, as well as other innovations, help to conserve renewable energy smartly and sustainably. This review paper reflects on the applications of different smart materials as renewable smart resources. Intelligent quantum dot solar cells, Schottky solar cells, organic thin-film photovoltaic cells, dye-sensitized solar cells (DSSCs), and organic-inorganic heterojunction solar cells have high conversion efficiency, low cost, and possess wide absorption spectra that reach the near-infrared range. Biomechanical energy can be transformed into green energy using triboelectric and piezoelectric-based smart nanogenerators such as zinc oxide nanowires. Shape memory materials such as Nitinol (NiTi) have been embedded in the wind turbine blades to enhance aerodynamic efficiency. Piezoelectric nanogenerators can convert mechanical energy directly into electrical energy by using wireless sensors to harvest energy from moving water in hydroelectric power plants. Thermoelectric materials such as silver antimony telluride (AgSbTe2) offer a sustainable energy option, which employs industrial waste heat to produce power. Smart materials like graphene are more reliable and effective than carbon nanotubes for storing green hydrogen. Smart non-enzymatic biofuel cells are used in biomedical gadgets such as anesthesia machines and pacemakers, which are self-powered and have great sensitivity. Shape memory materials (SMM) are introduced in natural gas and oil reservoirs because they offer exceptional qualities such as the shape memory effect (SME), lightweight, corrosion resistance, and superelasticity, which enhance the performance and robustness of offshore industries. These new advancements, challenges, and applications of smart materials for renewable energy are covered in this review paper.

A Comprehensive Study on Structural and Optical Properties of Zinc Selenide/Poly Ortho-methoxyaniline Hybrid Thin Films Deposited by Chemical Bath Deposition and Plasma Polymerization Techniques

Hybrid thin films hold dominant importance in various technological applications due to their synergistic effects between inorganic and organic materials. In this study, inorganic–organic hybrid thin film has been produced where the inorganic layer of zinc selenide (ZnSe) is deposited first through chemical bath deposition technique and the organic layer is deposited onto the inorganic layer using a capacitively coupled plasma polymerization technique. The ZnSe layer deposited for one hour has been used as the base layer and plasma polymerized (PP) o-methoxyaniline (OMA) has been deposited for different deposition durations. The experimental results showed that thickness of the the hybrid films increases with the organic layer deposition time. The field emission scanning electron microscope exhibited a large number of pores on the surface of the ZnSe film, which are significantly covered up when organic PPOMA is deposited onto it. The energy-dispersive X-ray confirms the constitutional elements of the hybrid films and X-ray diffraction study indicates the enhancement of crystallinity of the film. Differential scanning calorimetry and thermogravimetric analysis specify that hybrid films are thermally more stable (up to 396 °C) compared to pure ZnSe film (351 °C), probably due to higher conjugation in the PP organic layer. The direct optical band gaps of the deposited hybrid thin films are found to increase from 2.4 to 2.80 eV with the increase of organic layer onto ZnSe film. Consequently, the Urbach energy decreases from 0.94 to 0.66 eV with the deposition of hybrid film for different time durations. The outcomes of this study suggest that the hybrid films would have enormous potential as passive thin films for photovoltaic cells, sensing and optical devices.

A Bayesian inference approach to extract circuit model parameters and analyze photovoltaic degradation from power production data

Power production data can be a valuable resource to analyze photovoltaic (PV) performance without the need for field surveys. Recent work has demonstrated the exciting possibility of leveraging this data to extract circuit model parameters and current-voltage properties of a PV system, but further development is needed to bolster these initial findings. Here, instead of using a classical optimization approach, we switch to the Bayesian framework to solve this complex multi-solution problem. This allows us to construct probability distributions over the model parameters, get a comprehensive picture of the solution space, and quantify prediction uncertainty. As a result, we can define confidence intervals for the system’s electrical properties and consistently track their daily evolution. Our results are validated with laboratory measurements for five silicon and thin-film modules, and our scalable approach works with on-site as well as online weather data, which opens new prospects for remote PV monitoring, modeling, and degradation analysis for real-life applications.

Highly conductive and transparent metal microfiber networks as front electrodes of flexible thin-film photovoltaics

Simultaneously enhancing the optical transmittance and electrical conductivity of transparent conductors (TCs) applicable in various optoelectronic devices is a long-standing challenge. Herein, we present an innovative approach for fabricating electroplated Ni and Cu microfiber networks (NiMF and CuMF) as highly conductive TCs to realize high efficiency and desired aesthetics in thin-film solar cells and modules. The metal microfibers (MFs) are fabricated using electrospun polyacrylonitrile nanofibers as the template. The large cross-sectional aspect ratio of the metal MF networks remarkably and concurrently improves their electrical conductivity and optical transmittance. Between the NiMF and CuMF TCs, the CuMF sample exhibits a superior figure of merit owing to its exceptionally low electrical resistivity. The metal MF TC is a promising alternative to conventional patterned grids used in flexible Cu(In,Ga)Se2 thin-film solar cells, because it effectively reduces the series resistance, which is advantageous for large-area cells. The CuMF can be successfully employed as a ribbon to maintain the solar cell performance in centimeter-scale cells connected in series. The outstanding performance of the metal MF TCs indicates their potential to eliminate complicated monolithic integration processes or front grids and ribbons in flexible thin-film solar cells and modules.

Preventing degradation of thermoelectric property after aging for Bi2Te3 thin film module

In response to growing environmental consciousness and the global commitment to reduce carbon emissions, the advancement of efficient energy harvesting has become an imperative objective. A thermoelectric device stands out for its quiet and dependable operation devoid of moving components, directly translating waste heat into electrical energy. For practical applications, the metal electrodes will be deposited on both ends of the thermoelectric thin films. The migration of atoms from these electrodes significantly influences module performance. The significance of long-term aging is critical when modules are intended for practical application. In this study, Cu and Ni were selected as electrode materials due to their commendable electrical conductivity. The investigation delves into the diffusion behavior and interfacial stability of Cu/Bi2Te3/Cu and Ni/Bi2Te3/Ni samples, unraveling insights through prolonged aging process. Cu atoms diffused into the Bi2Te3 film and formed Cu2−xTe intermetallic compounds on Bi2Te3 surface. Conversely, Ni atoms diffuse into the Bi2Te3 layer by approximately 50 nm. Long-term aging, inevitably, results in degradation in the power factor (PF) of Ni/Bi2Te3/Ni samples, attributed to the transformation of n-type Bi2Te3 to p-type owing to the formation of BiTe. antisite defects. However, Cu diffusion exerts a significant influence on Cu/Bi2Te3/Cu samples. The incorporation of Cu diffusing from the electrodes mitigates PF deterioration following extended aging. This study focuses on the effect of diffusion on thermoelectric properties and offers promising insights for enhancing the durability, efficiency, and application of thermoelectric thin film modules.

Effect of Deposition Working Power on Physical Properties of RF-Sputtered CdTe Thin Films for Photovoltaic Applications.

The main objective of this study was to determine the variation in the properties of cadmium telluride (CdTe) thin films deposited on a p-type Si substrate by the radio frequency magnetron sputtering technique at four different working powers (70 W, 80 W, 90 W, and 100 W). The substrate temperature, working pressure, and deposition time during the deposition process were kept constant at 220 °C, 0.46 Pa, and 30 min, respectively. To study the structural, morphological, and optical properties of the CdTe films grown under the mentioned experimental conditions, X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), atomic force microscopy (AFM), and optical spectroscopy were used. For a better analysis of the films' structural and optical properties, a group of films were deposited onto optical glass substrates under similar deposition conditions. The electrical characterisation of Ag/CdTe/Al "sandwich" structures was also performed using current-voltage characteristics in the dark at different temperatures. The electrical measurements allowed the identification of charge transport mechanisms through the structure. New relevant information released by the present study points towards 90 W RF power as the optimum for obtaining a high crystallinity of ~1 μm nanostructured thin films deposited onto p-Si and optical glass substrates with optical and electrical properties that are suitable for use as absorber layers. The obtained high-quality CdTe nanostructured thin films are perfectly suitable for use as absorbers in CdTe thin-film photovoltaic cells.

Growth and Characterization of p-Type and n-Type Sb2Se3 for Use in Thin-Film Photovoltaic Solar Cell Devices

In this study, a two-electrode electrodeposition technique was employed to grow thin films of antimony selenide (Sb2Se3) on glass/fluorine-doped tin oxide (FTO) substrates. The highest quality thin films were consistently obtained within the range of 1600 mV to 1950 mV. Subsequent electrodeposition experiments were conducted at discrete voltages to produce various layers of thin films. Photoelectrochemical cell (PEC) measurements were performed to characterize the semiconductor material layers, leading to the identification of both p-Type and n-Type conductivity types. Optical absorption spectroscopic analysis revealed energy bandgap values ranging from 1.10 eV to 1.90 eV for AD-deposited Sb2Se3 samples and 1.08 eV to 1.68 eV for heat-treated Sb2Se3 samples, confirming the semiconducting nature of the Sb2Se3 material. Additionally, other characterization techniques, including X-ray diffraction analysis, reveal that the AD-deposited layers are almost amorphous, and heat treatment shows that the material is within the orthorhombic crystalline system. Heat-treated layers grown at ~1740 mV showed highly crystalline material with a bandgap nearing the bulk bandgap of Sb2Se3. Raman spectroscopy identified vibrational modes specific to the Sb2Se3 phase, further confirming its crystallinity. To explore the thin-film morphology, Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) was employed, revealing uniformly deposited material composed of grains of varying sizes at different voltages. Energy Dispersive X-ray analysis (EDX) confirmed the presence of antimony and selenium in the material layers.

Thin-film PV modules early degradation analysis: a case study on CIGS

Solar Photovoltaic (PV) energy generation will be one of the main energy generation technologies in the inner future thanks to the recent and significant reduction of involved costs. One of the most promising and lowest cost technologies is the thin-film PV modules technology. Their currently lower performance than single-Si PV modules is compensated by their lower costs and more aesthetical display, which make them especially attractive for building integration. However, because of the novelty of this technology, very few studies have been conducted to analyse its aging and degradation, which has a significant impact on the operation and maintenance needs and, in the end, in its Levelized Cost of Energy (LCOE). Thus, in this work, a systematic review on this technology and on its more frequent faults and degradation effects is conducted first. Then, a set of Copper Indium Gallium Selenide (CIGS) PV modules has been tested under real outdoor conditions and its degradation has been analysed after 3 years operation. A new procedure for faults location and quantification has been established for this sort of PV modules; and early degradation and aging data are presented and analysed. Results show a significant early degradation of this technology and a fast expansion of the PV faults.

Alternative preconditioning by utilization of a thin film module's dark diode fingerprint

Although the continuously advancing silicon wafer-based modules dominate the commercial PV landscape, thin film technologies have not lost any of their attraction, especially in areas where their advantages count, like light weight, flexibility, and easy manufacturing. This has been the case for chalcogenides in the past and it will be for coming perovskite-based materials, whether as stand-alone, in multi- or heterojunction devices. Unfortunately, many thin film technologies suffer from metastability, i.e., their physical properties change temporarily with storage, transport or operating conditions, on time scales from hours to months. For this reason, preconditioning is crucial, before reliably evaluating such a module's performance. Presently, the respective preconditioning standards are exclusively focused on illumination-induced stabilization of the module's power at the maximum power point (PMPP). However, using PMPP as the only marker might not be the wisest choice. First, the PMPP is basically a black box, i.e., a module may show the same temporary power value at times, while being in very different condition if one looked closely on its device physics then. This may lead to false assumptions about the module's quality. Second, aiming for the highest stable PMPP of a module might not always be the desired goal, e.g., in warranty cases where the actual field performance of a module is in question and not how it would behave in perfect state after standard preconditioning. To overcome these limitations of present preconditioning standards, an alternative additional approach is required. In this report, we give a brief view on the inevitable shortcomings of present methods for thin film modules and demonstrate how the dark current characteristic of a thin film module can be used like a fingerprint instead, representing its device physics that define its actual state. Whereas in PV research, dark IV curves are commonly analyzed in detail for hints on charge transport mechanisms, interface properties or semiconductor degradation in the device, such effort would be inconvenient and unnecessary for fast-track commercial module testing. Here, we suggest focusing merely on the effective device properties, which are reflected quantitatively in the diode-parameters. The goal is to feed a recorded module dark current curve into an automated mathematical procedure, which fits the data to the double-diode model, enabling the extraction of the diode parameter-set. With this as a marker, instead of using solely PMPP during preconditioning treatments, it is much more likely that the desired previous physical state of a module is really reinstated. Additionally, the described dark current approach is conveniently independent of a light source's properties and insensitive to module soiling. The results presented here, give a first impression on the potential that such a method could have, showcasing effects of dark storage degradation and their recovery by illumination or bias-induced preconditioning on the dark current characteristics of individual CdTe and CIGS commercial PV-modules of different generations and manufacturers.

Local centric energy estimate model for clean and affordable power generation in a solar integrated passenger vehicle

Clean energy generation from Vehicle Integrated Photovoltaic (VIPV) technology is prudent to foster future smart transportation in passenger cars. A VIPV vehicle remits a reliable energy generation scenario in static and dynamic modes. The estimation of irradiance hovering over a vehicle's surface exposure metrics is based on the diurnal sun-path at the local centric coordinate system (LCCS). By inferring the locations' analemma curve, the irradiance patterns can be derived. Literature reports that the irradiance patterns on a parked static vehicle (PSV) are unexplored till date, particularly under southern Indian conditions. In this study, we propose an LCCS for a static vehicle to understand the irradiance over the vehicle when parked in two different cardinal orientations at Vellore (12.9717° N, 79.1654° E), India. Further, experiments were conducted over a PSV facing due south of the location to validate the theoretical claims and factual irradiance patterns. The results reveal that theoretical observations and energy estimates were in proximity with experimental measurements by a deviation of <15 %. An estimated solar potential energy yield of up to 1.66 to 2.09 kWh per day can be attained from a PSV when integrated with thin-film flexible solar modules over the lateral surfaces.

CO2 Electroreduction To Syngas With Tunable Composition In An Artificial Leaf.

Artificial leaves (a-leaves) can reduce carbon dioxide into syngas using solar power and could be combined with thermo- and biocatalytic technologies to decentralize the production of valuable products. By providing variable CO : H2 ratios on demand, a-leaves could facilitate optimal combinations and control the distribution of products in most of these hybrid systems. However, the current design procedures of a-leaves concentrate on achieving high performance for a predetermined syngas composition. This study demonstrates that incorporating the electrolyte flow as a design variable enables flexible production without compromising performance. The concept was tested on an a-leaf using a commercial cell, a Cu2 O:Inx cathodic catalyst, and an inexpensive amorphous silicon thin-film photovoltaic module. Syngas with CO : H2 ratio in the range of 1.8-2.3 could be attained with only 2 % deviation from the optimal cell voltage and controllable solely by catholyte flow. These features could be beneficial for downstream technologies such as Fischer-Tropsch synthesis and anaerobic fermentation.

The Effect of Graphene, Silica, And Natural Dust Particles On The Performances of Multiple Types Of Solar Photovoltaic Modules

Desertification and industrial pollution environment can significantly degrade photovoltaic cells performance. Accumulated dust on the surface of a photovoltaic module can partially hinder incident light and consequently degrade optical to electrical energy conversion. Dust properties play a major role in deteriorating solar system performance. Thus, this paper presents extensive investigations on the UV- absorbance, light transmittance and reflectance through an accumulated dust layer. Dust characterization; focusing on its spectral and crystallographic properties of three types of dust (Graphene, Silica, and natural), was carried out to evaluate the degradation rate of the output power for three types of solar PV modules (monocrystalline, polycrystalline, and thin-film). Spectrophotometric analysis was conducted to determine UV light absorbance and light transmittance through the three types of dust. X-Ray Diffraction (XRD) and Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) tests were conducted to evaluate the effect of dust crystallinity on light reflectance. A lab-scale setup was used to examine the performances of the three solar PV modules under clean and polluted conditions. Results indicated that Graphene dust exhibits severe UV light absorbance, and its crystalline form increases light reflectance from the surfaces of the modules. However, Silica and natural dust showed a little UV absorbance. Among the three types of the solar PV modules, thin-film panel showed the highest degradation under polluted conditions as compared to the other modules. Therefore, thin film solar module is not recommended for areas with high density of dust.