Engineers of R and D-company ILUMEN have managed to identify a 'missing link' in the current photovoltaic panels technology, leading up to 80% yield loss only 2-3 years after installation. The solution, the 'PID-BOX', brings the panels back to the original yield, protects them from future degradation and extra technical defects caused by PID. The technology has the potential to increase the global solar power yield and prevent thousands of panels getting dumped prematurely.
PID
Potential Induced Degradation (PID) is well-known and feared by solar panel manufacturers the world over. Because of poor grounding, high voltages and inadequate shielding between individual solar cells, leakage occurs, which dramatically reduces the electricity yield of solar panels. In some cases, the loss can be as high as 80% and can already occur in the ? rst two years after roof installation. PID also increases the ? re hazard of PV systems.
The reduced electricity yields mean that the payback period of the costly installations is prolonged by many years – a development that has been disillusioning solar panel owners and has been giving solar energy a bad rep.
The only solution up to now was removing the infected panels and replacing them with new ones. But this in fact doesn't solve the problem. It means extra costs for the owner (or installer depending on the guarantee clause), not mentioning the environmental impact caused by the disposal of (wrongfully) dismissed panels and the extra transportation of new panels. GENIE IN A BOX
Ilumen, specialized in R and D on renewable energy, monitors industrial photovoltaic systems. During these activities the engineers noticed the frequently occurring loss of yield. After extensively analyzing and testing the phenomenon they were able to develop a solution: the PID-BOX, ILUMEN
in every existing PV system.
The box automatically regenerates the solar cells by reversing the degradation process. The device is connected to the PV system's power outlet, right between the panels and the inverter. At night the PID-BOX reverses the direction of the current and rejuvenates the degenerated cells.
In more technical terms: the device reinforces the PN junction, or the core of the semiconductor technology in every solar cell, by driving a high electrical current through the cells. Because this involves high voltage, the panels are temporarily disconnected from the inverter. (demonstration clip online) [http://www.pidbox.eu]
Ilumen realized that few users would like to take down their solar panels to have them threated in a specialized lab every two years. The engineers equipped the PID box with an algorithm that detects the susceptibility to PID for every individual cell. Based on that information, an optimal current is sent during the regeneration process.
Independent accredited research lab Eliosys tested the new technology and con? rmed the e – ciency of the PID-BOX. Ilumen patented the technology and tested it successfully on a number of major plants. Ilumen now launches the PID-BOX for industrial solar power installations in Europe.
A prototype of the PID-BOX for private installations is ready to be launched.
