Researchers reveal silver-copper degradation in heterojunction solar cells

⚡ AI Executive Summary

Scientists at East China University of Science and Technology have characterized thermal aging mechanisms in silver-coated copper electrodes used in heterojunction solar cells, identifying interdiffusion between metal layers and defect formation as primary causes of performance decline. The team employed transmission line measurement, spectroscopy, and microscopy techniques to track how contact resistance increases over time, with interfacial degradation shown to dominate over line resistance effects. This work has significant implications for the photovoltaic industry: as manufacturers push to reduce silver consumption for cost competitiveness, understanding these degradation pathways becomes critical for ensuring long-term module reliability. The findings suggest that interfacial stability—not just silver thickness—must be engineered into next-generation electrode designs. Engineers designing low-silver heterojunction cells should consult the full research to understand trade-offs between cost reduction and durability, particularly for utility-scale deployments where 25-30 year warranties are standard.