Influence of backsheet materials on potential-induced degradation in n-type crystalline-silicon photovoltaic cell modules

We investigated the influence of backsheet materials on potential-induced degradation (PID) in n-type crystalline-silicon (c-Si) photovoltaic (PV) cell modules. Silicon heterojunction PV cell modules and rear-emitter n-type c-Si PV cell modules were fabricated by using aluminum backsheets composed of poly ethylene terephthalate (PET)/aluminum/PET as well as typical backsheets. PID tests of the modules were performed by applying a negative bias in a dry environment (<2% relative humidity). Regardless of the types of cells, the modules with the aluminum backsheets showed smaller degradation. This indicates that aluminum backsheets reduce PID effects, and to alter backsheets may be a potential measure to reduce PID.