Polymeric materials for long-term durability of photovoltaic systems

Photovoltaic (PV) technology has evolved rapidly in the past few decades and now encompasses a large variety of materials and device structures. A key aspect to be taken into account in any PV technology is the operational durability of the systems in outdoor conditions. Clearly, loss of performance during operation represents a significant drawback and limitation in the commercialization of this technology. In this context, the large compositional flexibility of polymeric materials as well as their proven easy processability may be of great help in imparting improved durability to PV systems. In this review, a summary on the state of the art and most recent developments in the field of polymeric materials for improved long-term durability of PV devices is presented, with particular emphasis on the use of polymers as encapsulation materials and protective coatings in the field of both PV and light-concentration systems.