Natural sunlight accelerated weathering of photovoltaic modulesPhotovoltaic modules are exposed to the equivalent of ten years of sunlight aging in an accelerated exposure testing and evaluation program, the objective being to determine the long-term durability characteristics of flat plate modules in comparatively short periods of time. The modules are illuminated with concentrated sunlight in a large, sun-tracking, Fresnel-reflecting solar concentrator. The effects of the accelerated exposure are assessed by performing periodic visual inspections and electrical measurements. It is found that field-experienced failure modes are duplicated, that acceleration factors of 6x to 8x are readily attainable, and that the test method is feasible as a predictive tool for photovoltaic module lifetime durability.
Document ID
19820040648
Acquisition Source
Legacy CDMS
Document Type
Conference Proceedings
Authors
Zerlaut, G. A. (Jet Propulsion Lab., California Inst. of Tech. Pasadena, CA, United States)
Anderson, T. B. (DSET Laboratories, Inc. Phoenix, AZ, United States)
Arnett, J. C. (California Institute of Technology, Jet Propulsion Laboratory, Energy Technology Section, Pasadena CA, United States)