Research on the potential-induced degradation (PID) of PV modules running in two typical climate regions

In order to accurately select photovoltaic modules under different climatic conditions, three kinds of polycrystalline silicon photovoltaic modules were prepared for this study using different properties of packaging materials and two typical climatic zones of China were selected for installation and operation of these photovoltaic (PV) modules. The photoelectric parameters (maximum power, open-circuit voltage, short-circuit current, etc.) and electroluminescence images of these modules were analysed before and after their operation for 6 months. The study found that the performance of PV modules in different climatic regions shows different decay tendency and degradation mechanism. There was a significant difference in the degradation of the three different types of PV modules in the sub-humid-hot region (Suzhou, Jiangsu); two kinds of photovoltaic modules using relatively poorly performing package materials showed significant potential-induced degradation effects. However, the degradation trend of the three different types of PV modules in the warm-temperate region (Kenli, Shandong) was consistent and no significant potential-induced degradation effect was observed.