The global photovoltaic (PV) industry is expanding rapidly, and improving the reliability and performance of solar modules has become a strategic priority.
One major challenge is Potentially Induced Degradation (PID) — a phenomenon that can reduce solar panel power over time, especially in environments with high voltage, humidity, and temperature.

What Are Anti-PID Additives and Why Are They Needed

Under the influence of system voltage bias, sodium ions (Na⁺) in the cell or glass migrate toward the solar cell. This ion movement causes surface charge accumulation, reduced shunt resistance, and lower module output.
Modules operating in humid or tropical conditions are particularly vulnerable.

Anti-PID additives are chemically engineered compounds added to encapsulant materials (like EVA or POE) to prevent or mitigate this ion migration.
They enhance the encapsulant’s electrical isolation, ion-blocking ability, and water resistance, forming an effective barrier against the root causes of PID.

Anti-PID Additives vs. Conventional Additives: Three Key Differences

1. Functional Purpose

Conventional additives improve processing stability, UV resistance, mechanical durability, or crosslinking behavior — but they do not directly affect electrical properties.

Anti-PID additives, on the other hand, are electrically functional.
They prevent ion transfer and suppress leakage under high voltage — making them essential for maintaining electrical reliability and long-term power retention.

2. Impact on Module Performance

Conventional additives preserve film structure and optical clarity during lamination and exposure, but they cannot stop power loss due to electrical stress.

Anti-PID additives have shown dramatic improvements:
Modules containing them show less than 5% power loss in accelerated aging tests (85°C/85% RH, –1000V for 168 hours), compared with over 30% for unprotected systems.
This superior performance supports long-term power warranties — 25 years and beyond.

3. Long-Term Value

While anti-PID additives are more expensive upfront, they provide superior ROI by improving reliability and preventing PID-related failures.
Buyers should look beyond cost per kilogram and consider total lifecycle value: better field performance, lower maintenance costs, and improved customer satisfaction.

Where Are Anti-PID Additives Used

Anti-PID additives are typically used in encapsulant films, the critical sealing layer between the solar cells and glass.

• EVA Films: Cost-efficient but naturally prone to PID if not modified. Anti-PID additives are essential for high-voltage installations in humid environments.
• POE Films: More resistant to PID due to their non-polar backbone and low sodium permeability. Incorporating anti-PID additives further enhances reliability in extreme conditions.

How to Evaluate Anti-PID Additives

Selecting the right additive is crucial for new module designs or upgrades. Key evaluation criteria include:

• PID Test Results: IEC62804 performance (85°C, 85% RH, –1000V for 96–168 hours)
• Volume Resistivity: High resistivity (>10¹⁵ Ω·cm) ensures better electrical insulation
• Water Vapor Transmission Rate (WVTR) & Water Uptake: Low values help maintain insulation under humidity
• Compatibility & Dispersion: Additives should be thermally stable and well-dispersed in EVA or POE matrices
• Field Data: Proven results in real-world applications build confidence
• Third-Party Certifications: Testing by TÜV, UL, or SGS ensures credibility

Buying Tip: Protect Your Investment with the Right Additives

Choose suppliers offering customized formulations and global validation. Key qualifications include:

• Proven experience in large-scale MW/GW projects
• In-house R&D for tailor-made solutions
• Excellent compatibility (no blooming, easy lamination)
• Long-term stability (>25 years)

Though invisible in the final module, the right additive can have a huge impact on quality, energy yield, and brand reputation.

Final Thoughts

Modern Anti-PID additives are no longer just material components — they are strategic upgrades for solar technology.
By addressing electrical degradation mechanisms that cause PID, these additives ensure more reliable, durable, and high-performing PV systems.

Whether developing bifacial or n-type modules, or optimizing your BOM, integrating anti-PID additives is an intelligent decision to enhance performance, sustainability, and financial value.
In today’s competitive solar market, where efficiency, durability, and cost-effectiveness determine leadership, Anti-PID protection has become essential.