Accelerated degradation testing of a photovoltaic module

Abderafi Charki; Remi Laronde; David Bigaud

doi:10.1117/1.JPE.3.033099

11 March 2013 Accelerated degradation testing of a photovoltaic module

Abderafi Charki, Remi Laronde, David Bigaud

Author Affiliations +

Journal of Photonics for Energy, Vol. 3, Issue 1, 033099 (March 2013). https://doi.org/10.1117/1.JPE.3.033099

Abstract

There are a great many photovoltaic (PV) modules installed around the world. Despite this, not enough is known about the reliability of these modules. Their electrical power output decreases with time mainly as a result of the effects of corrosion, encapsulation discoloration, and solder bond failure. The failure of a PV module is defined as the point where the electrical power degradation reaches a given threshold value. Accelerated life tests (ALTs) are commonly used to assess the reliability of a PV module. However, ALTs provide limited data on the failure of a module and these tests are expensive to carry out. One possible solution is to conduct accelerated degradation tests. The Wiener process in conjunction with the accelerated failure time model makes it possible to carry out numerous simulations and thus to determine the failure time distribution based on the aforementioned threshold value. By this means, the failure time distribution and the lifetime (mean and uncertainty) can be evaluated.

Citation Download Citation

Abderafi Charki, Remi Laronde, and David Bigaud "Accelerated degradation testing of a photovoltaic module," Journal of Photonics for Energy 3(1), 033099 (11 March 2013). https://doi.org/10.1117/1.JPE.3.033099

Published: 11 March 2013

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