Standards for Testing High-Concentrator Photovoltaic Modules

Abstract

A key concept when deciding the investment in a determined photovoltaic (PV) product is to know if it passed enough tests to ensure its good performance and its safety and durability characteristics. Testing under internationally recognized standards has some advantages. From the point of view of the designers and manufacturers, the certification obtained according to international standards allows them to test their designs against common parameters and, based on the results, to define the extent of their warranties. From the point of view of end users, the employment of certified products involves that they are reliable enough to ensure reasonable sustained performance over the years and to minimize the appearance of risks during installation and operation.

Polyfluoroalkyl-silica porous coatings with high antireflection properties and low surface free energy for glass in solar energy application

“…This standard is commonly regarded by the CPV industry as a validation of the reliability of materials used for solar system components that have to withstand exposure to harsh climates during their life cycle. Having proven that antireflection properties of FAS21-silica porous coatings treated at 240 ºC were as suitable as the ones displayed by the baseline coating, the next step in this work was aimed to ensure the required long-term durability under the most demanding test of those included in the IEC standard, damp heat exposure [42].…”