Impact of Encapsulation on the Long-Term Stability of Perovskite Solar Cells

Perovskite solar cells are approaching commercialization through continuous improvements in power conversion efficiency and advances in large-area fabrication technologies. However, achieving sufficient long-term durability and operational stability remains a major challenge for practical application. Unlike the inorganic materials used in conventional crystalline silicon solar cells, the photoactive and charge-transport materials employed in perovskite solar cells are highly sensitive to heat and moisture. In addition, the temperature and pressure applied during encapsulation and lamination processes may induce device degradation and performance loss.
Nevertheless, many research groups and companies continue to apply commercial encapsulants and lamination processes originally developed for silicon photovoltaic modules directly to perovskite solar cells. To date, only a limited number of studies have systematically investigated how the physical and chemical properties of these conventional encapsulation materials and processing conditions affect the initial performance and long-term stability of perovskite solar cells.
In this study, a new encapsulation material was developed by considering the thermal and chemical characteristics of the constituent materials in perovskite solar cells. The lamination process was also optimized to minimize thermally and mechanically induced degradation. The initial photovoltaic performance and long-term stability of devices encapsulated with the newly developed material were compared with those of devices using conventional commercial encapsulants. This study aims to establish suitable encapsulation materials and processing conditions for enhancing the long-term stability of perovskite solar cells.