Solar Lattice

Mitigation

Low-ion front glass

ID
mit:low-sodium-glass
IRI
https://solarlattice.org/kb/mit/low-sodium-glass
Status
active

Low-ion front glass means building the module with a front glass that has a lower ion concentration. It is a module-level way to prevent Potential Induced Degradation (PID). It targets PID shunting. In this mode, a high voltage between the cells and the grounded frame drives leakage currents that move sodium ions out of the glass toward the cells. Standard soda-lime front glass contains sodium and speeds up PID. Its sodium ions travel to the anti-reflective layer, collect there and enter defects in the cell junction, where they form shunts. When judging a front cover for PID risk, the relevant properties are its electrical conductivity, sodium ion concentration, ion mobility and leakage current. This is a choice made in module design or purchasing. It can be combined with other module-level measures, such as an alternative encapsulant like TPO. It has limits. Sodium can also come from the rear glass and through the encapsulant. PID also depends on string voltage, polarity, grounding, heat, humidity, wetting and soiling. Changing the glass does not address PID polarization, a separate mechanism caused by surface charge building up on the cells. Choosing modules sold as PID-resistant is the broader option.

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