Development of Cu(In, Ga)Se 2 test coupons for potential induced degradation studies

We report on the design, fabrication and accelerated testing of fully encapsulated small area coupons (approximately 7.5cm × 7.5 cm) for the purpose of researching potential induced degradation in Cu(In, Ga)Se 2 based PV modules. The fabrication of these coupons enables the study of the solar cells and the materials used in PV module manufacturing such as top and bottom glass covers of different composition (soda-lime glass, high temperature glass, alkaline-free glass, etc), plastic-based top covers, ethylene vinyl acetate and edge seal encapsulation materials. The coupons can also be used to emulate framed and frameless modules that utilize either monolithically interconnected modules or singular cell type of modules. The design of the coupons, their fabrication, the materials used and their testing for 1000 hours under 85°C and 85% RH conditions are presented.