Degradation analysis of an operating PV module on a Farm Sanctuary

作者：Freire Felipe^*; Melcher Steve; Hochgraf Clark G; Kurinec Santosh K

来源：Journal of Renewable and Sustainable Energy, 2018, 10(1): 013505.

DOI：10.1063/1.4994565

Silicon photovoltaic (PV) modules are considered the most reliable component of a photovoltaic system and according to the manufacturers have a lifetime from 25 to 30 years. However, some modules degrade or fail along their service time under outdoor exposure and harsh conditions. The reliability and lifetime of a module depend on its energy conversion performance and degradation modes. For better understanding of the mechanisms behind the degradation and failure of PV modules, this study reviews the governing degradation modes and investigates a ten-year-old operating crystalline silicon PV module installed at an active farm and animal sanctuary. Field current-voltage testing and Infrared imaging for hot spot detection have been employed in examining this PV module showing localized damaged regions. While new remote sensing tools are being deployed to monitor large-scale PV systems, this study provides a basic overview of PV reliability to small-scale community users. This work exemplifies academic-community collaborations in the field of sustainability. Published by AIP Publishing.

• 出版日期2018-1