Reliability testing beyond Qualification as a key component in photovoltaic's progress toward grid parity

This paper discusses why it is necessary for new lower cost PV modules to be tested using a reliability test sequence that goes beyond the Qualification test sequence now utilized for modules. Today most PV modules are warranted for 25 years, but the Qualification Test Sequence does not test for 25-...

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Bibliographic Details
Main Authors: Wohlgemuth, John H, Kurtz, Sarah
Format: Conference Proceeding
Language:English
Subjects:
Grid Parity
IEC standards
Levelized Cost of Electricity (LCOE)
Life estimation
Materials
Photovoltaic module reliability
Qualification Testing
Qualifications
Reliability
Reliability Testing
Stress
Testing
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Summary:This paper discusses why it is necessary for new lower cost PV modules to be tested using a reliability test sequence that goes beyond the Qualification test sequence now utilized for modules. Today most PV modules are warranted for 25 years, but the Qualification Test Sequence does not test for 25-year life. There is no accepted test protocol to validate a 25-year lifetime. This paper recommends the use of long term accelerated testing to compare now designs directly with older designs that have achieved long lifetimes in outdoor exposure. If the new designs do as well or better than the older ones, then it is likely that they will survive an equivalent length of time in the field.
ISSN:1541-7026
1938-1891
DOI:10.1109/IRPS.2011.5784534