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This paper focuses on the degradation behavior of ethylene vinyl acetate (EVA) and Al-doped ZnO (AZO) films in CIGS PV modules after the damp heat test. We observed losses of the FF and efficiency in the modules after 1000 h of damp heat (DH) exposure and some of them were discolored from the outside edge and the center. To clarify the degradation behavior of the non-discolored and discolored modules, a failure analysis for each position of the EVA and AZO in the CIGS module films from the edge to the center was performed. The resistivity of the AZO films in the non-discolored modules increased due to the adsorption of oxygen. In discolored modules, the resistivity of the AZO films rapidly increased at the edge region, and the morphologies of the AZO films were also changed due to the chemical degradation of EVA. These degradation behaviors of the AZO films and EVA in discolored modules were attributed to the formation of hydroxyl and carboxylic species caused by water penetration. Moreover, we reported that the transmittance and the mechanical properties of EVA after 1000 h DH exposure were deteriorated by water molecules. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: For the successful commercial production of CIGS PV modules, a good long-term damp heat stability of solar modules is necessary. The causes for the degradation of encapsulated solar modules are clearly explained. This article investigates the degradation behavior of encapsulated CIGS PV modules combined with the failure analysis of AZO films in CIGS cells. CIGS PV modules were exposed to the damp heat test of the IEC 61646 qualification standard—the modules are discolored from the outside edge to the center. Moreover, each module had its own distinct discolored area. The discolored area of the modules is significantly associated with the degradation of FF and efficiency. To clarify the causes of the degradation of FF and efficiency, failure analysis of AZO films in CIGS cells was performed. Electrical and structural properties as well as observation of the microstructure depending on the position of the AZO layers were characterized to explain the degradation mechanism of the encapsulated CIGS PV modules. It was revealed that the discoloration phenomenon of the modules and the degradation of AZO films were caused by the penetration of water molecules and adsorption of oxygen. By XPS and FT-IR analyses, the causes of degradation were confirmed. It was attributed to the generation of Zn(OH)2 and carboxylic acids by a combination of EVA, AZO and water molecules. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]