Anti-PID Design and Encapsulation Technology Optimization for High-Power Solar PV Panels
2026-04-02
High-power photovoltaic (PV) modules are widely used in today’s solar power plants due to higher energy production per area. With increasing module power and voltage, the risk of potential-induced degradation (PID) is becoming an essential factor that should not be neglected.
Neglecting this metric may lead to permanent power loss of the solar module, resulting in a decrease in the overall efficiency and consequently in the lifespan of the module.
Manufacturers are working hard to ensure reliability in the long term through design strategies aimed at reducing the risk of anti-PID and optimizing encapsulation technology. These approaches address both the electrical structure of the solar module and the materials used for the construction.
This piece discusses PID, its impact on high-power modules, and technical solutions to mitigate this phenomenon.
The Generation Mechanism of PID and Its Impact on High-Power Modules
Potential-induced degradation (PID) is caused by high voltage between the solar cells and the grounded frame of the module. PID is often associated with larger solar power plants having high voltage systems such as 1000V or 1500V.
In this situation, ions - predominantly sodium ions from the module glass - can migrate through the encapsulation material and accumulate on the solar cell surface. They then lead to a disturbance of the solar cell's electrical balance and an increase in leakage current. This effect can progressively deteriorate the structural integrity of the solar cell, reducing its energy output over time.
Degradation of the encapsulation material can be accelerated by high temperature and humidity. When the encapsulation material starts to age due to high temperatures, UV light, and humidity, its insulating ability breaks down. The ions that are generated due to this degradation start circulating in the module structure and easily reach the photovoltaic cells.
While low power losses due to PID may not be a problem for many applications, they could be significant for high-power solar panels. The power losses can be quite low (less than 1%), but in the worst cases, they can be substantial.
Based on field measurements and accelerated testing, we have found that solar panels can lose up to 10% of their power output in a relatively short period of time if they do not have any form of PID protection. This 10% power loss over the lifetime of a solar plant can translate into lost income.
Core Anti-PID Design for High-Power Modules
Potential-induced degradation (PID) reliability must be addressed from the solar cell to the module level in a comprehensive manner.
One of the most effective ways to mitigate PID is to use PID-resistant silicon cells. This is achieved by utilizing more recent solar cell manufacturing technologies with improved surface passivation and doping structures. The purpose of these advancements is to minimize charge accumulation and thereby ensure that the electrical parameters of the cells do not change regardless of the voltage stress applied.
In addition to encapsulation, another design factor that must be considered is the electrical design of the module. The series and parallel connections of cells within a module can be varied in order to distribute the voltage of the module in such a way as to reduce hot spots, which can cause electrical stress that leads to PID growth.
Grounding design is another factor that can impact the degradation risk. Proper grounding allows the excess electrical charge to be safely dissipated and prevents large voltage gradients from developing between different components of the module. Thus, a good grounding design helps to maintain the electrical balance in the module during operation.
Anti-PID Encapsulation Process Optimization
The encapsulation technology is a very important factor affecting the degradation of the photovoltaic module. The encapsulation material in the solar cell is a transparent protective layer. The main function is to prevent the entry of moisture into the solar cell and protect the solar cell from temperature changes and short circuits.
The most common encapsulation materials used in photovoltaic solar cells are EVA (Ethylene Vinyl Acetate) and POE (Polyolefin Elastomer). EVA is widely used due to its transparency and low cost, even though EVA has some disadvantages. On the other hand, POE is more commonly used in high-power solar cells.
The use of POE encapsulation films, which offer superior electrical insulation properties, can prevent sodium ions from coming into contact with the cell surface. Although the cost of the materials used in this method is slightly higher, the increased resistance to degradation makes the investment worthwhile, especially in utility-scale applications.
The second component of solar module protection is the backsheet, which serves as the outer protective layer of the solar module, located at the rear side. Modern solar module backsheets have several layers of polymers that offer superior resistance to ultraviolet radiation, humidity, and temperature variations. These materials can prevent environmental factors from degrading the encapsulation materials used in solar modules.
The process used in the manufacture of solar modules is another factor that can prevent degradation. Lamination, which is part of the process in solar module assembly, can ensure that the encapsulation materials used in solar modules can bond properly with the glass, cells, and backsheet. Imperfections in this process can create microscopic channels that can allow moisture and ions to penetrate the solar module.
Another factor that can prevent solar module degradation is edge sealing. High-quality materials used in sealing can prevent water vapor from penetrating the solar module. With a stable environment inside the solar module, the encapsulation materials can function properly throughout the lifespan of the solar module.
Performance Testing and Verification of Anti-PID Modules
To verify the effectiveness of anti-PID technology, solar panels have to go through a series of laboratory tests that simulate harsh environmental conditions. Among the most used laboratory test methods for solar panels is the PID accelerated ageing test. In this test, solar panels are subjected to high voltage while operating at high temperature and humidity. This simulates the natural environment and helps engineers test the effectiveness of anti-PID technology in a short period of time.
Solar panels that have been optimized to reduce or prevent PID show minimal power loss when tested in the laboratory. This proves that the new material technology and manufacturing process used to make solar panels are highly effective in protecting solar cells from degradation.
The table below compares the effectiveness of solar modules in preventing power loss when tested for PID.
|
Module Type |
Power Retention After PID Test |
|
Conventional module |
85–90% |
|
Anti-PID optimized module |
95–98% |
Development Trends in Anti-PID Technology
The solar industry is continuously growing, and as such, it has greatly impacted the development of photovoltaic module reliability. The increasing power ratings and wafer size have made it crucial for module manufacturers to develop effective anti-PID technology.
One trend in the development of anti-PID technology is the creation of new encapsulation materials, which have higher insulation capabilities and lower moisture transmission rates. Another trend is the creation of hybrid encapsulation technology, which combines the benefits of two or more polymers used in encapsulation technology.
In addition, module manufacturers have developed module architecture and grounding systems that provide effective voltage management for high-power modules. The systems ensure that voltage levels remain within the acceptable range for reliable module performance.
Another trend in the development of anti-PID technology is the creation of quality control systems for module manufacturers. The systems have become more sophisticated, enabling manufacturers to identify possible module failures at early stages in the production process. The systems have made it possible for module manufacturers to produce high-quality modules that can perform effectively at high voltage levels.
These technologies are expected to play an integral role in the development of high-efficiency solar panels.
Conclusion
The potential-induced degradation effect has been identified as a major challenge to the effective functioning of high-power photovoltaic modules within modern solar power systems. If not properly addressed, this effect has the potential to impair the performance of solar power systems.
Through the incorporation of PID-resistant cell materials, electrical design, encapsulation films, and manufacturing techniques, the solar power industry has made tremendous strides to ensure that the potential-induced degradation effect does not compromise the effectiveness of solar power systems.
Do you need more insights on solar innovations? At Foxtech Solar, we are committed to providing professional insights and technical information on solar photovoltaic technology, including solar photovoltaic module designs, renewable energy innovation, and industry trends.
Contact us today.
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