Variability of the Performance of Polysilicon Solar Cells

Abstract

Performance degradation of solar cells under actual outdoor operating conditions is important in connection with the life of solar cells. In this regard, polysilicon solar cells have a special case because grain boundaries may aid and enhance some types of degradation mechanisms. We therefore studied the variability of the spectral response and short-circuit current of a p+im+ polysilicon solar cell which has been exposed to laboratory handling for a fairly long period, and to outdoor dry sun, humid sun and rainy conditions at Delhi. The results which showed an increase of spectral response in the blue region and a corresponding change in the short-circuit current, are presented and discussed.