Increasing Temperatures in Europe Intensify the Need for Photovoltaic System Safety

Growing Concerns About Solar Safety in Europe

As Europe experiences increasingly frequent and severe heatwaves, the efficiency of photovoltaic systems is being put to the test. Record temperatures from Southern Europe to Central Europe are raising alarms about the stability of energy infrastructure across the continent. With the ongoing increase in solar installations, the resilience of solar panels has become crucial against these extreme climatic conditions.

From Efficiency to Safety: A Shift in Focus

For years, advancements in photovoltaic technology have primarily centered on enhancing efficiency and reducing costs. However, with the operational environments growing increasingly challenging, safety is emerging as an equally critical criterion for the performance of solar panels. This shift in focus has led to heightened interest in products like the AIKO ABC (All Back Contact) modules, which are gaining recognition not only for their high efficiency but also for their exceptional safety features.

The AIKO ABC modules have recently achieved a significant milestone by being the first photovoltaic modules globally to receive the 'PV Modules – Fire Hazard' certification from TÜV Rheinland. Under rigorous testing conditions, these modules exhibited over a 35% reduction in hotspot temperatures compared to conventional modules, demonstrating their advanced capability in mitigating thermal risks associated with local overheating.

Hotspot Prevention through Innovative Design

Why do ABC modules exhibit such high thermal safety? Hotspots can develop when partial shading, microcracks, or other internal defects disrupt the normal flow of electricity within a PV module. When a section of a cell is shaded, its power-generation ability is reduced. Due to the electrical series connection of the cells within a module, the affected area may experience a reverse bias, causing localized heating. If this localized heating persists, temperatures can rapidly rise, accelerating material degradation and potentially leading to fire hazards.

AIKO’s ABC technology addresses these risks through two significant structural advantages:

1. Bypass Functionality: The unique diode-like bypass function within AIKO-ABC cells is designed to enhance current flow under partial shading. If part of a cell is shaded, the module architecture provides alternative current pathways that help redirect current around the affected area. By reducing localized power loss, this design effectively mitigates excessive temperature increases at hotspots, thereby enhancing thermal safety under partial shade conditions. This difference in thermal behavior was also showcased in a live demonstration at Intersolar Europe 2026, illustrating how the different technologies respond to partial shading under identical light conditions.

2. Copper Conductor Technology: AIKO's copper connection technology significantly lowers the likelihood of hotspots associated with microcracks. Unlike traditional silver paste metallization, which often contains glass frit, AIKO-ABC cells utilize pure copper grids applied directly to the silicon wafer. This robust copper-based structure greatly enhances the toughness and mechanical strength of the cells, improving resistance to microcracks and reducing the associated hotspot formation risk.

Addressing External Fire Risks

Safety in photovoltaic systems extends beyond preventing overheating within the module. Solar installations may also be exposed to external fire sources, making flame resistance another critical aspect of module safety. In line with IEC fire safety tests, AIKO ABC double glass modules achieved the highest flame resistance class A, while conventional modules were classified as C, showcasing the stark difference in flame resistance and fire spread possibility between the technologies.

Towards a Safer and More Resilient Solar Future

As Europe advances its transition towards renewable energy, energy efficiency alone is no longer sufficient. Thermal protection, fire resistance, and long-term reliability are becoming increasingly paramount in evaluating next-generation PV technologies. In this changing landscape, AIKO's ABC technology represents a significant leap forward towards solar solutions that not only deliver high performance but also enhanced safety, thus supporting the evolution of a more resilient and sustainable energy future.