Overview: Why UV Testing Matters for TOPCon Solar Cells
Researchers at the University of New South Wales (UNSW) are urging a fundamental rethink of solar module testing protocols, with a specific focus on ultraviolet (UV) exposure and TOPCon (Tunnel Oxide Passivated Contact) solar cell technology. The core concern is that current testing regimes may not adequately simulate real-world UV stress, potentially allowing accelerated degradation to slip through the cracks. The result could be a higher risk of performance loss for TOPCon modules in the field, undermining reliability and return on investment for solar projects.
Key Findings: Gaps in Existing Protocols
New analyses from UNSW researchers have identified critical gaps in how UV exposure is accounted for in standard solar testing. While many protocols address thermal cycling, humidity, and damp heat conditions, UV ageing can interact with materials in ways that change long-term efficiency and power output. In particular, the team notes that up to one-fifth of tested solar PV modules exhibit degradation rates approximately 1.5 times faster than the average under UV-rich conditions. This acceleration is especially impactful for TOPCon cells, where passivation and contact structures can react to UV irradiation in ways that hasten performance loss if not properly assessed before market deployment.
What TOPCon Brings—and What It Needs
TOPCon technology is celebrated for its high efficiency and robust electrical performance, achieved through a tunnel oxide passivated contact architecture. However, this architecture adds sensitivity to UV-induced stress, which can reveal weaknesses in long-term stability that are not evident in short-term tests. The UNSW report argues that to ensure reliable performance, UV testing must be more rigorous and representative of real-world conditions, including variations in spectrum and intensity that solar modules experience across different climates and times of day.
Implications for Industry Standards
The call from UNSW is not merely academic. It points to a need for updates in international and national standards related to photovoltaic module certification and quality assurance. If the industry continues to rely on testing that underestimates UV stress or uses outdated light sources, manufacturers could be shipping products whose failures only appear years after installation. This misalignment could lead to higher warranty costs, reduced consumer trust, and slower adoption of advanced TOPCon technologies in key markets.
Proposed Changes: A Roadmap for More Realistic UV Testing
Experts backing UNSW’s initiative recommend several concrete steps to strengthen UV testing protocols:
- Standardize UV spectral power distributions that mimic real-world sunlight more precisely, including variations by geography.
- Increase UV exposure intensity and duration in accelerated aging tests to better forecast long-term degradation.
- Incorporate interactions with other stressors, such as temperature cycles, humidity, and soil or atmospheric contaminants, to reflect field conditions.
- Develop TOPCon-specific test matrices that account for its distinctive passivation layer and contact architecture.
- Adopt open data practices so researchers and manufacturers can compare results and refine methods collaboratively.
What This Means for Investors and Installers
For project developers and asset owners, enhanced UV testing translates into more reliable project planning and lifecycle cost estimates. While stricter testing might raise up-front lab costs, it can reduce the risk of underperforming modules later in a system’s life. Installers benefit from clearer performance guarantees and fewer warranty disputes, while manufacturers gain a competitive edge by demonstrating a commitment to rigorous quality assurance and long-term stability.
Conclusion: Aligning Science, Standards, and Supply Chains
The UNSW findings underscore a broader imperative: testing standards must evolve alongside advances in solar cell technology. As TOPCon and related innovations push efficiency boundaries, so too must the ways we validate durability under UV stress. The proposed revisions aim to ensure that every deployed module delivers predictable performance, year after year, under real-world sun exposure.
