Notice of Removal Multi-stress durability testing to better predict outdoor performance of PV modules

Gambogi, William J.; Kopchick, James G.; Felder, Thomas; MacMaster, Steven; Bradley, Alexander Z.; Hamzavy, Babak; Yu, Bao-Ling; Stika, Katherine M.; Garreau-Iles, Lucie; Wang, Chiou Fu; Hu, Hongjie; Heta, Yushi; Trout, T. John

doi:10.1109/pvsc.2017.8366139

Cited by 3 publications

(4 citation statements)

References 2 publications

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“…Similar to PVEL's 2020 PQP protocol, recent advances in reliability testing have moved toward more sequential-or combined-stress testing, which provides a better representation of field conditions and can identify degradation modes before field deployment [31]. Two examples of these are the Combined-Accelerated Stress Test (C-AST, figure 4) and the Module Accelerated Sequential Test (MAST, figure 5(a)) [34,35]. The C-AST protocol is divided into phases that are colloquially named 'Dead of Winter', 'Winter to Spring', 'Tropical', and 'High Desert.'…”

Section: Accelerated Stress Testing Of G/g Modulesmentioning

confidence: 99%

Glass/glass photovoltaic module reliability and degradation: a review

Sinha¹,

Sulas‐Kern²,

Owen‐Bellini³

et al. 2021

J. Phys. D: Appl. Phys.

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Glass/glass (G/G) photovoltaic (PV) module construction is quickly rising in popularity due to increased demand for bifacial PV modules, with additional applications for thin-film and building-integrated PV technologies. G/G modules are expected to withstand harsh environmental conditions and extend the installed module lifespan to greater than 30 years compared to conventional glass/backsheet (G/B) modules. With the rapid growth of G/G deployment, understanding the outdoor performance, degradation, and reliability of this PV module construction becomes highly valuable. In this review, we present the history of G/G modules that have existed in the field for the past 20 years, their subsequent reliability issues under different climates, and methods for accelerated testing and characterization of both cells and packaging materials. We highlight some general trends of G/G modules, such as greater degradation when using poly(ethylene-co-vinyl acetate) encapsulants, causing the industry to move toward polyolefin-based encapsulants. Transparent backsheets have also been introduced as an alternative to the rear glass for decreasing the module weight and aiding the effusion of trapped gaseous degradation products in the laminate. New amendments to IEC 61215 standard protocols for G/G bifacial modules have also been proposed so that the rear side power generation and UV exposure will be standardized. We further summarize a suite of destructive and non-destructive characterization techniques, such as current–voltage scans, module electro-optical imaging, adhesion tests, nanoscale structural/chemical investigation, and forensic analysis, to provide deeper insights into the fundamental properties of the module materials degradation and how it can be monitored in the G/G construction. This will set the groundwork for future research and product development.

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Section: Accelerated Stress Testing Of G/g Modulesmentioning

confidence: 99%

Glass/glass photovoltaic module reliability and degradation: a review

Sinha¹,

Sulas‐Kern²,

Owen‐Bellini³

et al. 2021

J. Phys. D: Appl. Phys.

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“…Reported failures of backsheets are delamination within the multilayer laminate, embrittlement leading to cracks, yellowing etc. [1][2][3] Yellowing of backsheets, however, is reported to have no influence on the electrical performance of the modules. 1 The worst failures within backsheets are cracks and delaminations as they allow enhanced water vapor and oxygen ingress into the PV module and can cause safety problems due to the loss in isolation properties.…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…Accelerated aging and testing of backsheet films, instead, seem to be less critical with respect to the installation situation as fewer failure/degradation cases occur in combination with other PV module components. Reported failures of backsheets are delamination within the multilayer laminate, embrittlement leading to cracks, yellowing etc . Yellowing of backsheets, however, is reported to have no influence on the electrical performance of the modules .…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Degradation of photovoltaic backsheets: Comparison of the aging induced changes on module and component level

Knausz

Eder

Voronko

et al. 2015

J of Applied Polymer Sci

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In reliability testing of components for PV modules an always remaining question is about material (in)compatibilities and synergistic effects and thus, how results of singly tested materials correlate with materials aged within PV modules. Testing of single materials would simplify sample preparation, reduce costs and offer more testing options. Therefore the main objective of this study was to compare the aging behavior of single backsheets with that of backsheets incorporated within PV modules. Four different types of backsheets were chosen, all of them comprising of polyethylene terephthalate (PET) core layers, but differing outer protection layers. Test modules using identical components, varying only in the type of backsheet used were produced and damp heat aged (85 C/85% RH 2000 h). The results revealed no influence of the PV module lamination on the thermal characteristics of the polymeric backsheets. Even after DH aging, differences between single and module laminated backsheets were negligible. Degradation effects of PET could be detected for all aged sheets by thermal analysis and were confirmed by tensile tests and rheological measurements. Thus, it can be stated that testing of single PET based backsheets under DH aging conditions is a practicable way to investigate the applicability of a new backsheet.

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“…Electrical insulation loss was a recent backsheet failure event that also resulted in whole string inverter shutdowns 129 . For backsheet and encapsulant dependability testing especially, there are a few technical requirements and industry‐defined tests 130–134 . However, there are no established criteria for assessing any of these individual components separately.…”

Section: Degradation Modesmentioning

confidence: 99%

Comprehensive review on performance, reliability, and roadmap of c‐Si PV modules in desert climates: A proposal for improved testing standard

Adothu,

Kumar,

John

et al. 2024

Progress in Photovoltaics

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Desert regions have emerged as ideal places for GW utility‐scale photovoltaic (PV) module installations because of their ultra‐large spaces, abundance of high‐irradiance sunshine hours, and clear sky. However, the harsh desert climate presents challenges to the reliability and bankability of PV modules. This review provides an in‐depth understanding of the unique desert parameters impact, desert‐induced degradation modes, status, and required properties of the bill of materials (BOMs) and suggestions for the development of desert standards. The review reveals that the climatic conditions in the desert are considerably harsher than those in the moderate climate. The main degradation mechanisms caused by the desert are ultraviolet (UV)‐induced discoloration, thermomechanical flaws of interconnects, and glass abrasion (because of soiling). The development of desert modules may necessitate the use of new‐generation modules with low‐temperature coefficients, high efficiency, high bifaciality, stability under UV light, and elevated temperatures. For the desert module application, options include advanced back sheets and encapsulants that are thermally and UV stable, free of acetic acid groups, and have a low water vapor transfer rate. The degradation modes induced by desert climate are not sufficiently addressed by the present environmental and safety standards through accelerated aging tests. As a result, this article provides a summary of current standards and recommends creating a new testing proposal called the “Hot Desert Test Cycle (HDTC)” sequence that is specific to the desert climate. This comprehensive review catalyzes the PV community to explore novel designs and develop desert PV modules while adhering to localized standards.

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Notice of Removal Multi-stress durability testing to better predict outdoor performance of PV modules

Cited by 3 publications

References 2 publications

Glass/glass photovoltaic module reliability and degradation: a review

Glass/glass photovoltaic module reliability and degradation: a review

Degradation of photovoltaic backsheets: Comparison of the aging induced changes on module and component level

Comprehensive review on performance, reliability, and roadmap of c‐Si PV modules in desert climates: A proposal for improved testing standard

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