# Progress in Improving Photovoltaics Longevity
## 4 Results
### PV Longevity Improvement
#### 4.4.2 Mitigation Strategies
\begin{table}
\begin{tabular}{c c c c} \hline \hline
**PV Longevity** & **Description** & **Key Features** & **References** \\ \hline \multirow{4}{*}{Material selection} & \multirow{4}{*}{Choosing appropriate materials to mitigate degradation and enhance stability} & – & Focus on encapsulants with low permeation rates to protect against environmental stresses & \\  & & & Use of additives and cross-linking agents to improve thermal stability & [170; 171; 172; 173] \\  & & & Exploration of polyolefins and ionomers for better performance and longevity & \\ \hline \multirow{4}{*}{High glass transition temperature (Tg) materials} & \multirow{4}{*}{Selecting materials with high Tg values for backsheets and encapsulants to maintain structural integrity under thermal stress} & – & High Tg materials (\(>\)100 \({}^{\circ}\)C) resist temperature-induced degradation & \\  & & & Examples include polyolefins, polyamides, and polylimides, which offer enhanced thermal stability and reliability & [106; 161; 181; 182] \\  & & & Polymides are preferred for extreme thermal conditions due to their high Tg (\(\sim\)300 \({}^{\circ}\)C) & \\ \hline \multirow{4}{*}{Reduction of photo-induced burn-in effects} & \multirow{4}{*}{Addressing performance drops immediately after installation due to defects and impurities in materials} & – & Use of pure materials with dense film morphologies to minimize degradation & \\  & & & Perovskite materials show promise in limiting photo-degradation when produced with & [176; 177; 178; 179] \\  & & & high-ordered crystal lattices & \\  & & & High-purity silicon reduces susceptibility to performance drops in traditional c-Si technology & \\ \hline \multirow{4}{*}{Extensive testing and failure analysis} & \multirow{4}{*}{Implementing rigorous testing protocols to identify potential degradation early on} & – & Combination of accelerated laboratory tests and field testing to simulate real-world conditions & \\  & & & Methods include damp heat testing, thermal cycling, and mechanical load testing & [180; 181; 182] \\ \cline{1-1}  & & & Root cause analysis helps identify specific degradation mechanisms like LID, TID, and PID through detailed examination of failures & \\ \hline \hline \end{tabular}
\end{table} 
Table 10: Mitigation strategies to enhance the longevity and stability of photovoltaic (PV) modules, emphasizing material selection, testing protocols, heat management techniques, and holistic approaches for sustainability in solar energy systems. PV system longevity can be considerably increased by following appropriate operation and maintenance (O&M) practices, in addition to material selection and testing procedures [188]. Routine cleaning, preventive maintenance, and corrective repairs can boost productivity, reduce downtime, and significantly prolong the PV system's lifetime. Routine cleaning is a maintenance task that ensures high-efficiency operation for the PV module, manually or automatically. Manual cleaning is carried out by water and special equipment, such as soft brushes, and aims at careful removal of soiling without causing scratches or damage. This technique is more beneficial when the temperature is at low levels, especially in areas with high percentages of dust or drought. In the case of large installations, robotic cleaning devices are utilized, which do not require water and are capable of extensive cleaning, even in arid areas. As a proactive mitigation strategy, preventive maintenance is based on constant servicing and inspection of the PV module to ensure its proper operation, stable performance, and prolonged lifespan. Hot spots, cracks, discoloration signs, and delamination or corrosion marks identification are the ultimate targets. Inverters, electrical wiring, and connection checking are of primary significance, as they can cause safety concerns, apart from reduced efficiency and performance. Suitability, proper operation of cleaning filters, and effective ventilation to avert overheating are crucial.