Photovoltaic Degradation Rates-an Analytical Review

ABSTRACT As photovoltaic penetration of the power grid increases, accurate predictions of return on investment require accurate prediction of decreased power output over time. Degradation rates must be known in order to predict power delivery. This article reviews degradation rates of flat‐plate ter...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:Progress in photovoltaics 2013-01, Vol.21 (1), p.12-29
Main Authors: Jordan, D. C., Kurtz, S. R.
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Applied sciences
degradation rates
Energy
Equipments, installations and applications
Exact sciences and technology
field testing
Natural energy
outdoor testing
Photovoltaic conversion
photovoltaic modules
photovoltaic systems
Solar cells. Photoelectrochemical cells
Solar energy
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Summary:ABSTRACT As photovoltaic penetration of the power grid increases, accurate predictions of return on investment require accurate prediction of decreased power output over time. Degradation rates must be known in order to predict power delivery. This article reviews degradation rates of flat‐plate terrestrial modules and systems reported in published literature from field testing throughout the last 40 years. Nearly 2000 degradation rates, measured on individual modules or entire systems, have been assembled from the literature, showing a median value of 0·5%/year. The review consists of three parts: a brief historical outline, an analytical summary of degradation rates, and a detailed bibliography partitioned by technology. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. As photovoltaic penetration of the power grid increases, accurate predictions of return on investment require accurate prediction of decreased power output over time. Degradation rates must be known in order to predict power delivery. This article reviews degradation rates of flat‐plate terrestrial modules and systems reported in published literature from field testing throughout the last 40 years. Nearly 2000 degradation rates, measured on individual modules or entire systems, have been assembled from the literature, showing a median value of 0·5%/year. The review consists of three parts: a brief historical outline, an analytical summary of degradation rates, and a detailed bibliography partitioned by technology.
ISSN:1062-7995
1099-159X
DOI:10.1002/pip.1182