# Progress in Improving Photovoltaics Longevity
## 5 Discussion
Silicon-based modules, which hold a dominant position on the market, are primarily susceptible to PID and LID. Secondarily, they are affected by moisture, corrosion, delamination, and thermo-mechanical stresses triggered by temperature fluctuations. Combined, these factors contribute to the gradual decline in performance reliability and longevity of silicon PV systems over time. Perovskite-based solar cells offer enhanced efficiency and low production costs, but their instability when exposed to heat, moisture, and UV radiation necessitates further and targeted research. Perovskites exhibit a high sensitivity to environmental factors, such as oxygen and moisture, which induce rapid degradation of their layer. As an inevitable result, their long-term performance and their effective large-scale deployment are questioned. Organic PV cells (OPVs) also experience significant degradation issues. These solar cells are susceptible to PID, where sunlight exposure alongside oxygen can have a destructive impact on their organic components. Degradation processes are accelerated by their lower thermal stability and high moisture sensitivity, eliminating their long-term performance and durability. Despite their advantageous lightweight and flexibility, the reliability and stability of organic solar cells continue to pose a roadblock for their widespread adoption. Next-generation PV technologies, such as tandem [210] and multi-junction [211] solar cells, show promise in addressing some of the aforementioned challenges as they combine layers of different materials with supplementary properties. However, the widespread incorporation of these materials, as well as their cost-effectiveness and ensured stability, remains a crucial area of ongoing research. The challenging task of mitigating degradation issues across different PV technologies (silicon, perovskite, organic) is ongoing. Numerous practical solutions have either been developed and are under constant testing or are currently in development. For typical silicon-based PV modules, the emphasis is given to advanced encapsulation materials and enhanced coatings that aim at minimizing moisture ingress and limiting PID, respectively. \begin{table}
\begin{tabular}{c c c} \hline
**Dominant Degradation Mechanism** & **Weather/Climate Conditions** & **Regional Characteristics** \\ \hline PID & High humidity percentage, elevated temperature & Tropical and coastal regions \\ \hline LID & High solar exposure, sunlight fluctuations & Sunny and desert areas \\ \hline TID & Elevated operational temperature, intense diurnal and seasonal temperature variations & Arid, desert, continental, and temperate regions \\ \hline UV Degradation & High UV irradiance exposure & Sunbelt regions, desert areas, high-altitude areas \\ \hline Moisture Ingress & Frequent rainfalls, high humidity & Tropical and subtropical regions, coastal regions \\ \hline \multirow{3}{*}{Mechanical Stresses (snow, ice, wind, hail)} & Heavy snowfalls, intense storms, ice accumulation, high wind speeds, hailstorms & Polar and high-altitude regions, mountainous areas, stormy regions, regions with extreme weather conditions (hurricanes, tornadoes, hailstorms) \\ \hline \multirow{2}{*}{Corrosion/Salt Mist Corrosion} & High humidity, saline & Coastal regions, areas with salt-laden air or acid \\  & & rain \\ \hline \multirow{2}{*}{Dalamination} & Thermal cycling, high moisture concentration & Humid areas, areas with intense temperature fluctuations \\ \hline \multirow{3}{*}{Solling} & Pollution (natural or industrial), dust accumulation, sandstorms, sand abrasion & Industrial areas and zones, urban areas, deserts, arid/semi-arid regions, areas with high dust levels and sandstorms \\ \hline \multirow{2}{*}{Hot Spots} & Cell mismatch, partial shading phenomena & Regions with vigorous vegetation, urban areas with shading from buildings \\ \hline \end{tabular}
\end{table} 
Table 12: Comprehensive overview of dominant PV degradation mechanisms across diverse climates and regional characteristics.