N-Type technology has been around for many years. In fact, it was the first functional solar cell ever created. Therefore, they should have dominated the market, but their development was overshadowed by the P-Type cells. The latter were rapidly implemented, largely because they were the technology used at the beginning of the space race in the 20th century. But times are changing, and yesterday's most advanced technologies are not necessarily at the forefront today.
N-Type technology has been around for many years. In fact, it was the first functional solar cell ever created. Therefore, they should have dominated the market, but their development was overshadowed by the P-Type cells. The latter were rapidly implemented, largely because they were the technology used at the beginning of the space race in the 20th century. But times are changing, and yesterday's most advanced technologies are not necessarily at the forefront today.
N-Type technology has been around for many years. In fact, it was the first functional solar cell ever created. Therefore, they should have dominated the market, but their development was overshadowed by the P-Type cells. The latter were rapidly implemented, largely because they were the technology used at the beginning of the space race in the 20th century. But times are changing, and yesterday's most advanced technologies are not necessarily at the forefront today.
Written by: Marios Tsiopelakos and Dimitrios Loukas
Photovoltaic modules have a service life of at least 25 years; they can even perform up to 50 years and more. In order for them to provide their services in conditions of maximum performance and operational safety, they must be manufactured with top quality materials, following a meticulous process.
The present and future hold great challenges for photovoltaic technology in terms of material quality, installation, operation and, finally, decommissioning. Photovoltaic technology is mature, but only if the industry responds adequately to the demands for secure and reliable supply can it establish itself as a major source of large-scale electricity.
We continue to expand our series of articles on quality, enemies of photovoltaics. This time we want to talk about a phenomenon known and studied since the 70s, the LID (Light Induced Degradation) effect. This consists of a degradation of the photovoltaic modules due to chemical reactions in the silicon cell caused by the presence of impurities found in the materials used and their processing method during manufacturing.
