Zinc-selective light diffuser for enhanced efficiency andreduced degradation in photovoltaic modules

This article introduces a zinc metal layer structure integrated into a standard photovoltaic (PV) module, potentially serving a double purpose: as a light reflecting and re-directing diffuser, increasing the PV module overall efficiency, offering anodic protection of Ag/Sn interface against corrosion within the PV module structure. The ethylene-vinyl acetate (EVA) cross-linking degree and peel force measurements were carried out to check the quality of the encapsulation process for the modified modules. Finally, the electrical series resistance of PV modules was measured showing that the modified PV module almost maintained its initial series resistance after exposure to damp-heat conditions of 85 °C, 85% relative humidity for 1000 h, while the unmodified PV module increased its resistance by 5% under the same conditions.

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This work is part of a PhD thesis entitled “Laminating processes of photovoltaic (PV) modules based on materials modified by laser surface treatment techniques” carried out as part of the “Implementation Doctorate” program of the Polish Ministry of Science and Higher Education Project: DWD/4/42/2020.