Product Review: LayTec’s ‘LID Scope’ system targets expected performance losses from LID effect

Facebook
Twitter
LinkedIn
Reddit
Email

LayTec has introduced the first commercially available system for simulation and monitoring of LID (Light Induced Degredation). ‘LID Scope’ is a table-top system that helps to quantify the expected performance loss of any solar cell directly at the production line or in the lab. The tool performs accelerated or real-life degradation tests fully automatically. It is claimed to deliver highly reproducible results and a permanent monitoring of Voc changes by integrated metrology.

Problem

This article requires Premium SubscriptionBasic (FREE) Subscription

Unlock unlimited access for 12 whole months of distinctive global analysis

Photovoltaics International is now included.

  • Regular insight and analysis of the industry’s biggest developments
  • In-depth interviews with the industry’s leading figures
  • Unlimited digital access to the PV Tech Power journal catalogue
  • Unlimited digital access to the Photovoltaics International journal catalogue
  • Access to more than 1,000 technical papers
  • Discounts on Solar Media’s portfolio of events, in-person and virtual

Or continue reading this article for free

The performance of c-Si solar cells drops significantly when exposed to light. After a short time of employment in the field, the efficiency of the solar cells degrades by up to 10% until a stable level of performance is reached. This effect is called Light Induced Degradation (LID) and has been known for about 30 years.

Solution

LID Scope degrades cells in a well-controlled procedure with electrical current and high temperatures by applying novel physical models developed by Fraunhofer Center for Silicon Photovoltaics (CSP) in Germany (patent pending). For the first time, cells can be degraded in a repeatable way, which means that LID Scope offers identical LID performance control from line to line and from lab to lab. This means that cell producers can now refer to ‘standardised’ degradation procedure and exactly quantify the loss, thus eliminating costly safety margins on the price-per-watt.

Applications

LID testing of c-Si solar cells including PERC (Passivate Emitter Rear Cell).

Platform

LID Scope is a table-top system that uses electrical current and controlled heating to achieve an automated and repeatable degradation and to predict the efficiency loss in the field. LID Scope delivers highly reproducible results and a permanent monitoring of VOC changes by integrated metrology. These features make the tool an inevitable part of quality control and production optimisation in PV industry. The manufacturer can choose between the Quick Test for fast production control or the Real-life Test to simulate exposure close to in the field conditions.

Availability

May 2016 onwards.

Read Next

June 24, 2025
Chinese solar manufacturing giant LONGi has signed an agreement with Indonesia’s Pertamina New & Renewable Energy to build a 1.4GW module assembly plant in West Java, Indonesia.
June 24, 2025
The Chinese polysilicon industry could face a shortage by 2028, despite persistent overcapacity in recent years, according to polysilicon market analyst Bernreuter Research.
June 18, 2025
The US Senate Finance Committee draft bill is a “stake in the heart” of US solar manufacturing, according to Democrat senator, Ron Wyden.
June 17, 2025
New solar manufacturing facilities show higher rates of product defects, PV Tech has heard from Joerg Althaus of Clean Energy Associates.
June 16, 2025
US-based solar module manufacturer Bila Solar has begun production at its manufacturing facility in Indiana.

Subscribe to Newsletter

Upcoming Events

Upcoming Webinars
June 30, 2025
10am PST / 6pm BST
Solar Media Events
July 1, 2025
London, UK
Solar Media Events
July 1, 2025
London, UK
Media Partners, Solar Media Events
July 2, 2025
Bangkok, Thailand
Media Partners, Solar Media Events
September 2, 2025
Mexico City, Mexico