As the solar industry continues to innovate, N-Type solar panels, including TOPCon and Heterojunction (HJT) technologies, have emerged as leaders in efficiency and performance. However, with these advancements comes a new challenge: Susceptibility to degradation triggered by UV Light and humidity, which can lead to a significantly reduced long-term performance. Understanding and addressing this issue is vital to ensure the long-term reliability of N-Type solar panels.
The Issue: UV-Induced Degradation in N-Type Solar Panels
Recent studies show that N-Type solar panels, particularly those using TOPCon technology, can be susceptible to severe degradation by UV light, an effect that was previously not observed on their P-Type counterparts. The degradation effect is further enhanced when the panel is exposed to humidity [1]. This can result in a high degradation rate over time, strongly affecting the panels' efficiency and energy generation. Addressing these challenges is therefore essential to maintain the high performance and longevity that N-Type solar panels promise as well as to ensure that the panels comply with the warranty conditions given by the manufacturer.
Metawolf Solar's Solution to avoid UV Degradation completely: UV Light Conversion and Blocking Films
At Metawolf Solar, we are aware of the degradation mechanisms and recognize the importance of protecting our HJT solar panels from the damaging effects of UV light. To eliminate UV-induced degradation, we have developed two innovative solutions that incorporate either UV light conversion or UV light blocking films into our solar panels:
UV Light Blocking Film: Our BlackLux and BlackLux Clear series of panels are equipped with a UV blocking film that completely absorbs harmful UV rays. This film acts as a protective barrier, eliminating the impact of UV-induced degradation entirely over the lifespan of the solar panel.
UV Light Conversion Film: This film is designed to convert harmful UV light into non-damaging wavelengths. By shifting the UV spectrum to a wavelength that is not harmful to the solar cells, the film not only protects the panel but also enhances its efficiency compared to UV blocking films where these wavelengths remain unused for power generation. However, the light converting films change the visual appearance of the solar panel from black to blue. We therefore apply this solution only to our high efficiency BlueUltra series of solar panels.
Metawolf Solar's Solution to avoid Humidity Ingress completely: Butyl Edge Sealant
As the UV degradation effect is enhanced by humidity, it is equally important to protect the cells against humidity ingress. Additionally, humidity ingress can cause power degradation by cell corrosion over time. At Metawolf Solar we have therefore extensively studied the effects of humidity, and with our experience from the thin film solar module industry we have introduced a Butyl based edge sealant to our panels that completely blocks the ingress of humidity into our panels for much more than 30 years.
Metawolf Solar HJT Panels: Highest Efficiency and Lowest Degradation!
With the application of UV protective Films and the Butyl Edge Sealant our panels are completely inert to the effect of UV degradation. Highly accelerated stress tests and combined cycle tests as well as tests in our outdoor installations confirm that our panels do not degrade under UV light. Therefore, Metawolf Solar's HJT panels offer several key benefits:
Slower Degradation: By preventing exposure to harmful UV rays and avoiding harmful humidity ingress completely, our panels degrade at a much slower rate compared to conventional N-Type panels, ensuring long-term performance and reliability.
Enhanced Efficiency: Our panels that use UV light conversion film are not only protected against UV light, but also exhibit higher efficiency by utilizing a broader spectrum of the sunlight.
Increased Longevity: Our UV protection and Edge Selant technology extends the lifespan of the panels, providing a better return on investment for our customers.
While the potential for UV-induced degradation in N-Type solar panels is a major concern, Metawolf Solar's HJT panels completely avoid this degradation mechanism by design. By incorporating UV light conversion and blocking films together with our unique Edge sealant, we ensure that our panels maintain their high performance and longevity.
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