Towards Durable Solar Energy System: A Review of Corrosion Challenges and Emerging Protection Technologies

Abstract

An important element influencing the longevity and efficiency of solar panels is corrosion, which is examined in this review paper along with its mechanism, detection techniques, and mitigation options. Encapsulants, backsheets, and metallic components interact intricately to cause corrosion, which is a result of material deterioration and exposure to the environment. Though they have limits in terms of cost and field usability, advanced detection techniques such as acoustic emission monitoring, electrochemical impedance spectroscopy, and infrared thermography offer insights into early-stage corrosion. Preventive measures that increase the robustness of solar panels include self-healing coatings, corrosion-resistant polymers, and UV-resistant encapsulants. Furthermore, accelerated aging tests and environmental monitoring systems aid in the comprehension of corrosion behavior under diverse circumstances. Nonetheless, obstacles including exorbitant implementation expenses, restricted scalability, and incompatibilities with current systems underscore the necessity of comprehensive strategies. This review comparatively examines corrosion mechanisms affecting key photovoltaic components alongside existing detection, prevention, and mitigation strategies, highlighting their relative effectiveness, limitations, and suitability across different environmental conditions to inform more durable and standardized PV system designs.