Hydrogen-Induced Degradation

Abstract

This paper discusses the role hydrogen plays in degradation of silicon solar cells and modules. Slightly unorthodox, it presents a high level view of the latest research findings and theories of Professor Stuart Wenham before he suddenly passed away. This paper includes 6 main parts: (1) a brief introduction including Professor Wenham’s prior hydrogen related work; (2) evidence for the role of excess hydrogen in Light- and elevated Temperature- Induced Degradation (LeTID) (3) discussion of Prof. Wenham’s Bucket Theory’ - how hydrogen could move and change to cause LeTID or Hydrogen- Induced Degradation (HID); (4) how hydrogen can cause recombination including Prof. Wenham’s realization that hydrogen can cause recombination on its own (Hydrogen- Induced Recombination); (5) demonstration that appropriate control of hydrogenation processes can enable wafers and solar cells that are stable against LeTID/HID; and (6) implications and testing.