The Impact of Materials Properties on PV Module Performance and Durability

The choice of materials and components used in the manufacture of photovoltaic modules can affect their safety, performance, durability and reliability. The materials and design of the components used to produce a photovoltaic module play a critical role in protecting the module from the outdoor environment. Material performance properties are described and their impact on photovoltaic module performance and reliability are discussed. These critical properties include the mechanical, optical, electrical, thermal characteristics and the durability of these properties under relevant accelerated exposure conditions. Results of accelerated exposure on materials and modules are presented. Accelerated test conditions to establish material durability and the relationship of these accelerated conditions to both the outdoor environment and cumulative degradation over the expected module lifetime are discussed. The measurement and characterization of materials and modules removed from the service environment will be discussed. A review of the characterization strategies that have been found useful for module and subsequent materials evaluation will also be presented.

GAMBOGI William;  FU Oakland;  BRADLEY Alex;  STIKA Katherine;  HAMZAVY Babak;  SMITH Rebecca;  SAMPLE Tony; 

2013-01-23

WIP

JRC76175

3-936338-28-0,   

http://www.eupvsec-proceedings.com/proceedings?paper=20208,    https://publications.jrc.ec.europa.eu/repository/handle/JRC76175,   

10.4229/27thEUPVSEC2012-4CO.9.6,