The research has revealed critical gaps in current solar module testing protocols, with researchers advocating for fundamental changes to industry standards following findings that up to one-fifth of solar PV modules degrade 1.5 times faster than average and that thicker aluminium oxide layers provide superior protection against UV-induced degradation in TOPCon cells.
Speaking to PV Tech Premium, Professor Bram Hoex and Dr Fiacre Rougieux from UNSW’s School of Photovoltaic and Renewable Energy Engineering have identified manufacturing defects and inadequate testing protocols as primary contributors to premature module failures, with some systems potentially losing 45% of output by the 25-year mark or reaching end-of-life in just 11 years.