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Photovoltaic (PV) modules operate in an extreme environment and are exposed to radiation, humidity, and hot and cold thermal extremes. This paper focuses on polymeric-material degradation during PV-module operation at high ambient temperatures, high solar irradiance and low wind speed. The 2004 version of the IEC 61730 specification requires all polymeric materials used in a photovoltaic module to have a Relative Thermal Index (RTI) or Relative Thermal Endurance Index (RTE) at least 20°C greater than the maximum material temperature measured during the temperature test conducted at 40°C ambient.

This paper focusses on the physical conditions for a degradation mechanism of photovoltaic modules, known as potential-induced degradation. The analysis was made on several levels. At first, the influence of humidity and temperature on the potential-induced leakage current has been investigated, the second step consists of an accelerated test scheme in a climatic chamber and the third one is outdoor exposure with high voltage stress in two different climate regions. The humidity has a huge impact on the leakage current. Therefore, a test in the climate chamber accelerates the stress found in the field of some orders of magnitude

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