Polycrystalline silicon PV modules performance and degradation over 20 years

Abstract

The presented paper reports the results of the experimental work performed at the European Solar Test Installation, using an array of 70 polycrystalline silicon photovoltaic (PV) modules by the same manufacturer. After almost 20 years of continuous outdoor exposure, the modules were subjected to a comprehensive indoor test plan; in particular, electrical performance measurements were performed, together with a detailed visual analysis. It was also possible to perform a comparison between final and initial data (in particular IV characteristics): module average performance decay is 4.42% for the whole period. Degradation mechanisms, together with their effect on module lifetime, were also analyzed. Results of such a measurement exercise clearly show how PV device reliability over decades can guarantee safe investments, for the benefit of all PV users and stakeholders. The authors are currently installing the modules for further 20 years of outdoor exposure. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

Crystalline silicon PV module degradation after 20 years of field exposure studied by electrical tests, electroluminescence, and LBIC

“…Seventy crystalline silicon modules were installed at the European Solar Test Installation in Ispra in 1991 with the purpose of a long‐term field degradation study. The modules were removed from the field in 2010, and a first analysis based on visual inspection, following the International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC) standard IEC 61215 , and electrical characterization was previously reported . In this work, detailed visual inspection according to a new protocol has been performed, together with spatially resolved characterization by EL and LBIC of the majority of the modules.…”

“…A series of characterizations were performed in 2010, after the modules were removed from the field and have been previously published . The following characterizations were performed in 2010: Visual inspection following the procedure of IEC 61215 Electrical characterization (I–V curves) Analysis of degradation of electrical parameters Dry electrical insulation test. …”

Novel Recycling Method for Boron Removal from Silicon by Thermal Plasma Treatment Coupled with Steam and Hydrogen Gases

“…The PV industry started in the 1980s with the first use of multicrystalline silicon (Si) wafers [3,4], and Si-based solar cells still make up more than 90% of the PV market because of the conventional use of Si and its low cost [5,6]. As the lifetime of PV cell modules is generally~20-30 years, the current amount of PV-module waste is increasing [1,7]. In fact, the amount of PV-module waste dramatically increased over the last decade [8,9].…”

Comparison of the 60Sn40Pb and 62Sn2Ag36Pb Solders for a PV Ribbon Joint in Photovoltaic Modules Using the Thermal Shock Test

“…A number of researchers have studied the degradation characteristics of PV modules in real-time outdoor conditions. A study by Polverini showed that PV modules have an average efficiency degradation of 0.8%/year [7]. The National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL) research group presented measurements from individual modules and entire systems showing a mean degradation rate of 0.8%/year and a median value of 0.5%/year.…”