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Long-term photothermal/humidity testing of photovoltaic module polymer insulations and cover filmsThe life expectancies of Tedlar and other polymer films considered for use as cover materials in terrestrial photovoltaic (PV) modules were investigated by exposing them for more than 13,000 h on an outdoor test stand and for up to 10,000 h in several accelerated multistress environments. Visual observations and diagnostic analyses of weight and mechanical strength losses were periodically conducted to assess the nature and rate of degradation of mechanical properties and to assess the effects of film thickness and UV stabilizer content. Spectroscopic analyses of pristine and degraded materials linked weight and mechanical property losses to the underlying photothermal/photooxidation chemistry. It is shown that heavy doses of UV stabilizers prolong, while elevated temperatures shorten, the useful life of these materials; humidity plays only a minor role. The most heavily UV-stabilized films are expected to operate usefully in a PV module front-cover application for only five to ten years. The performance of none of the tested films appears consistent with the 20-30 year life goals of the PV industry.
Document ID
19910057342
Acquisition Source
Legacy CDMS
Document Type
Conference Paper
Authors
Mon, G.
(Jet Propulsion Lab., California Inst. of Tech. Pasadena, CA, United States)
Gonzales, C.
(Jet Propulsion Lab., California Inst. of Tech. Pasadena, CA, United States)
Willis, P.
(Jet Propulsion Lab., California Inst. of Tech. Pasadena, CA, United States)
Jetter, E.
(Jet Propulsion Lab., California Inst. of Tech. Pasadena, CA, United States)
Sugimura, R.
(JPL Pasadena, CA, United States)
Date Acquired
August 15, 2013
Publication Date
January 1, 1990
Subject Category
Nonmetallic Materials
Meeting Information
Meeting: IEEE Photovoltaic Specialists Conference
Location: Kissimmee, FL
Country: United States
Start Date: May 21, 1990
End Date: May 25, 1990
Accession Number
91A41965
Distribution Limits
Public
Copyright
Other

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