L R AS Published on Monday 1 May 2023 - n° 443 - Categories:R&D
Are TOPCon cells sensitive to humidity?
Dutch scientists at TNO have reported a higher risk of degradation for TOPCon N-type cells with EVA encapsulant due to potential moisture degradation. The metallization of the front face makes N-type cells more vulnerable than P-type cells.
POE and TPO, unlike EVA, do not release any acid components, which means that they may perform better than EVA in terms of acid-induced corrosion. However, there is as yet no evidence that these materials can actually lead to increased panel durability in the field, as it takes a long time before any relevant field degradation can be observed.
The hydrophobic and chemically inert TPO encapsulants offered the highest degree of protection against moisture-induced degradation compared to EVA and POE. The metallization on the front face of the N-type TOPCon cells tested is more susceptible to acid- and moisture-induced degradation than their P-type counterparts.
PV Magazine of 27 April 2023
