About the project
The objectives of DREAM-PV are to:
– Develop optimized PV module designs tailored for emerging solar cell technologies such as TOPCon and IBC.
– Improve module reliability and durability by understanding material interactions and degradation mechanisms.
– Investigate advanced encapsulation materials and module packaging concepts to enhance long-term stability.
– Validate module performance through accelerated aging tests and outdoor exposure under different climatic conditions.
– Evaluate environmental and economic impacts through life-cycle and cost analyses to support sustainable PV technologies.
The rapid market introduction of new photovoltaic cell technologies such as TOPCon and IBC creates significant challenges related to module reliability and long-term stability, as their interactions with module materials and packaging concepts are not yet fully understood. Current testing and design approaches are often based on established cell technologies and may not adequately capture new degradation pathways arising from advanced materials and module architectures. The project addresses these challenges by systematically investigating material compatibility, encapsulation strategies, and interconnection concepts tailored to next-generation solar cells. By combining advanced material characterization, accelerated aging tests, outdoor validation, and data-driven degradation modelling, the project goes beyond the current state of the art to enable more reliable, durable, and sustainable PV modules.
The project is expected to deliver new knowledge and practical solutions for improving the reliability and durability of photovoltaic modules based on next-generation solar cell technologies. By developing optimized module designs, compatible material combinations, and improved integration processes, the project will enable more stable and long-lasting PV modules. The results will provide a deeper understanding of degradation mechanisms and material interactions under realistic operating conditions, supporting more accurate lifetime predictions and improved testing methodologies. In addition, the project will contribute to reducing environmental impacts and the levelized cost of electricity through longer module lifetimes and improved performance. Overall, the outcomes will strengthen the competitiveness of the photovoltaic industry and support the large-scale deployment of sustainable solar energy technologies.