Accelerating regeneration rate for silicon solar cells impacted by light- and elevated temperature-induced degradation under field-related conditions

Light- and elevated temperature-induced degradation (LeTID) in silicon (Si) solar cells is a critical issue for the photovoltaic (PV) industry, causing substantial performance losses and threatening the long-term energy yield of PV systems. Existing mitigation and regeneration techniques typically rely on high temperatures (>90°C) or high-intensity illumination, making them impractical for field applications. Additionally, the long-term efficacy of factory-based treatments remains uncertain. In this study, we propose a novel technique leveraging new developments in inverter technology. The method is based on current injection under realistic field conditions to accelerate the regeneration process of LeTID-affected solar cells. It is specifically tailored to accommodate practical constraints, including current limitations imposed by string fuses and bypass diodes in utility-scale PV systems. Experimental results demonstrate that current injection significantly enhances the regeneration rate under both illuminated and dark conditions. The findings highlight the potential of this technique as an effective solution for restoring the performance of LeTID-affected solar modules, offering a promising pathway for improving the energy output and stability of PV systems.