Degradation of Cu(In, Ga)Se2 thin-film solar cell due to electrostatic discharge

The discharge tests on CIGS arrays were performed in a vacuum chamber which simulates the plasma environment in low Earth orbit and the high-energy electron environment in geostationary orbit. Although no dielectric parts exist on CIGS array, the discharge occurred on the surface and caused cell degradation. The discharge track worked as a leak resistance. To avoid discharge on the surface, it is necessary to cover CIGS array with a transparent film.