Corrosion Effects in Thin-Film Photovoltaic Modules

Abstract

Electrochemical corrosion effects can occur in thin-film photovoltaic (PV) modules that are fabricated on tin-oxide-coated glass when operating at high voltages and at elevated temperatures in a humid climate. The current study shows that this corrosion is associated with a delamination of the tin oxide layer from the glass, which is caused by sodium accumulation near the interface between the tin oxide and the glass and by the ingression of moisture into the PV module from the edges. This corrosion in thin-film PV modules can be significantly reduced by altering the growth conditions of the tin oxide or by using zinc oxide as a transparent conductive oxide electrode. Copyright © 2003 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.