The photovoltaic (PV) industry is constantly evolving, and with the advent of TOPCon (Tunnel Oxide Passivated Contact) technology, solar energy is moving toward greater efficiency and performance. However, TOPCon advanced structure also presents new challenges, particularly in terms of environmental durability. Cybrid Technologies, an industry leader in encapsulation solutions, has developed RayBo® a specialized encapsulant that meets the unique needs of TOPCon modules by offering superior protection against UVID (UV-Induced Degradation), moisture, and thermal stress.
The Challenge of UVID and TOPCon Sensitivities
Over the last decade, PERC technology has dominated the PV market, particularly for its ability to increase the efficiency of solar cells. However, with the advent of TOPCon, the industry is looking at a technology that not only promises to raise efficiency further but also enhances cell stability. TOPCon integrates an advanced tunneling passivation layer that blocks minority hole recombination, boosting performance and energy output.
TOPCon technology brings numerous advantages over traditional PERC (Passivated Emitter and Rear Contact) technology. However, its more delicate structure, including tunneling oxide passivation and advanced metallization makes it more vulnerable to environmental degradation. This includes UV-Induced Degradation (UVID), which can severely affect the long-term performance of solar modules.
UVID Protection for TOPCon Modules Based on Industry Research
1. RETC Warnings: UVID Concerns for N-TOPCon Modules
The2022PV Module Index Report, RETC issued a warning to the industry regarding the susceptibility of new cell technologies, particularly N-TOPCon, to UVID. According to RETC’s findings, 40% of the module samples tested displayed “red light” warning signals, indicating a heightened risk of degradation. Some modules already in large-scale production exhibited double-digit power losses, with projected degradation rates of 10-16% within the first three years of operation.
RETC’s findings highlight the critical need for advanced encapsulants to protect TOPCon modules from UV-induced degradation. The substantial losses reported in RETC’s tests emphasize the vulnerability of standard encapsulants and the importance of UV Conversion encapsulation solutions like Raybo®, which offers superior protection against UVID and maintains module performance over time.
2. KIWA UVID Test Results: Performance of Different Encapsulant Films
KIWA conducted extensive testing on the performance of different encapsulant films paired with TOPCon modules, focusing on degradation caused by UVID. The results revealed that traditional encapsulants, such as EVA and POE, exhibited accelerated degradation when exposed to prolonged UV radiation, especially in high-humidity environments. This degradation is particularly concerning for modules using TOPCon technology, which is more sensitive to UV-induced damage.
However, KIWA’s testing showed that encapsulants with UV conversion properties, such as RayBo®, performed significantly better in reducing power loss caused by UVID. By converting harmful UV rays into beneficial blue light, RayBo® enhances the spectral response of the module and minimizes degradation.
The Market’s Call for a Solution
As these research results began to circulate, concerns grew rapidly within the solar market. TOPCon, despite its efficiency, is in danger of losing favor due to its vulnerability in humid climates. For large-scale installations, especially in regions prone to high humidity, this posed a significant financial risk. Solar farm developers and manufacturers started searching for solutions to protect their investments and ensure the longevity of TOPCon technology.
CYBRID’s RayBo®: A Solution for the Future
CYBRID Technologies had been closely monitoring the growing concerns around TOPCon encapsulation. With decades of experience in encapsulant development, the company recognized the opportunity to deliver a solution that would not only safeguard TOPCon future but also enhance its performance in challenging environment. RayBo®, Cybrid’s flagship encapsulant, is engineered to address the specific environmental challenges faced by TOPCon modules.In response to these challenges, RayBo® encapsulant has been engineered to block UV radiation and prevent degradation, positioning it as an optimal solution for TOPCon modules. Moreover, RayBo® not only protects the module but also enhances energy output by converting harmful UV light into beneficial blue light.
Dr. Lei Zhang, chief scientist at CYBRID, explains: “Our goal with RayBois not just to create another encapsulant, but to create something that would extend the lifespan of TOPCon modules, particularly in regions prone to moisture-related failures.”
Putting RAYBO to the Test
The effectiveness of RayBo® has been verified through independent testing by TUV Nord and Shanghai Jiao Tong University, which have highlighted the importance of advanced encapsulation in mitigating the effects of UVID in TOPCon modules.
TUV Nord Testing: Verifying RAYBO’s Superior Performance
The performance of TOPCon modules depends heavily on the encapsulants used to protect them from environmental stressors like UVID (UV-Induced Degradation). Recent reports from independent labTUV Nordhighlighted the critical need for advanced encapsulants like Cybrid’s RayBo®, which is designed to mitigate the effects of UVID and improve the long-term reliability of TOPCon modules.TUV Nord Results: Protection Against UVID and Moisture
The TUV Nord report tested the RayBo® encapsulant under rigorous conditions. RayBo encapsulated modules retained equal or over 99% of their initial power output after extensive UV exposure and heat cycles (up to 180kWh/m2), while traditional encapsulants showed significantly higher degradation. The findings confirmed RayBo® superior resistance to UV-induced degradation.
The TUV Nord results underscore RayBo® superior ability to protect against UVID, ensuring the long-term reliability and efficiency of TOPCon modules in harsh environments.
The Science of UV-to-Blue Light Conversion: Maximizing Energy Generation
One of the most innovative aspects of RayBo® encapsulant is its ability to convert harmful UV light into blue light, a feature that not only protects the module but also boosts energy generation. This technology represents a significant leap forward in encapsulation. By absorbing UV radiation and converting it into blue light, RayBo enhances the spectral response of TOPCon modules, leading to a measurable generation gain.
In solar projects that use RayBo® encapsulated TOPCon modules, this additional energy yield can translate into significant long-term revenue, making RayBo® not only a protective solution but a performance-enhancing one as well. It transforms deep UV light（280-380nm) into blue light（380-550nm）
Real-World Benefits: Long-Term Performance of TOPCon Modules with RAYBO®
TOPCon complex structure makes it particularly vulnerable to environmental degradation. RayBo® is essential to the long-term viability of TOPCon modules. Key benefits include:
- Extended Module Lifespan: RayBo® ability to protect against UV degradation extends the operational life of TOPCon modules, reducing the need for replacements.
- Lower Levelized Cost of Electricity (LCOE): By improving the durability and energy yield of TOPCon modules, RayBo® helps reduce the overall LCOE, making solar projects more economically viable.
- Higher Energy Yields: Through RAYBO® UV-to-blue light conversion technology, solar installations see a measurable increase in energy generation, improving the return on investment for solar developers.
Cybrid’s Competitive Edge: Exclusive Licence and Innovation
A major aspect of Cybrid’s competitive edge is its exclusive license for the commercialization of a groundbreaking UV conversion film, originally developed and patented by a leading Japanese company. This exclusive license allows CYBRID to utilize this advanced technology in its RAYBO® encapsulant, enabling superior performance in solar modules, especially those using TOPCon technology.
This strategic patent licensing positions Cybrid as a leader in encapsulant innovation, enabling it to offer unique benefits to solar projects focused on long-term reliability and improved performance.
Conclusion: RAYBO® – The Ultimate Encapsulation Solution for Better TOPCon Modules
The adoption of TOPCon technology marks a significant step forward for solar energy. However, its long-term success depends on overcoming the encapsulation challenges that have emerged. Cybrid’s RayBo® encapsulant provides the solution the industry has been waiting for. By protecting TOPCon modules from environmental degradation, RayBo® ensures that these modules will continue to perform at their highest potential, even in the harshest conditions.
As we move into a new era of solar energy, where efficiency must be matched by durability, RayBo® stands as a beacon of what’s possible when innovation meets necessity. The future of solar is bright, and Cybrid is leading the charge to ensure it shines for decades to come.
