Analyzing the Effect of Damp Heat Test on Various PV Module Technologies, a Comparative Study

As solar energy adoption accelerates in desert regions, the durability of photovoltaic (PV) modules under extreme environmental conditions becomes a critical concern. This study examines the effects of Damp Heat (DH) testing on the performance and degradation of three photovoltaic (PV) technologies: Interdigitated Back Contact (IBC), Tunnel Oxide Passivated Contact (TopCon), and Passivated Emitter and Rear Cell (PERC). Conducted at the Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum Solar Park in Dubai, the study simulated prolonged exposure to extreme heat and humidity over 1000 hours, with plans to extend testing to 2000 hours and beyond. Electrical characteristics, including short-circuit current (Isc), open-circuit voltage (Voc), fill factor (FF), maximum power (Pmax), and series resistance (Rser), were measured before and after the DH test. Electroluminescence (EL) imaging and current-voltage (IV) curve analysis were used to identify early signs of degradation. The results showed minor, but noticeable, degradation, particularly in PERC modules, where increased series resistance and micro-cracks were detected. While IBC and TopCon modules showed better resistance to moisture and heat, reductions in Isc and FF were noted across all technologies. These findings suggest that prolonged DH exposure could lead to further performance declines, underscoring the need for rigorous testing protocols to ensure the long-term durability of PV modules in harsh desert environments.