Characterization of PV modules by combining results of mechanical and electrical analysis methods

Martin Sander; Bastian Henke; Hannes Schwarz; Sascha Dietrich; Stefan Schweizer; Matthias Ebert; Jörg Bagdahn

doi:10.1117/12.860814

19 August 2010 Characterization of PV modules by combining results of mechanical and electrical analysis methods

Martin Sander, Bastian Henke, Hannes Schwarz, Sascha Dietrich, Stefan Schweizer, Matthias Ebert, Jörg Bagdahn

Proceedings Volume 7773, Reliability of Photovoltaic Cells, Modules, Components, and Systems III; 777308 (2010) https://doi.org/10.1117/12.860814
Event: SPIE Solar Energy + Technology, 2010, San Diego, California, United States

Abstract

Photovoltaic modules (PV modules) are supposed to have a lifetime of more than 20 years under various environmental conditions like temperature changes, mechanical loads, etc. Common outdoor exposure may influence efficiency and lifetime which necessitates assessment of PV module performance and detection of output deficits. For this purpose reliable and nondestructive testing methods are desirable. Commercially available PV modules were tested by different analysis methods. The PV module's electrical properties were investigated by thermography and electroluminescence measurements. The combination of these two techniques is well-suited to detect many cell and module defects. A crystalline module showed significant cell breakage after temperature cycle test. To observe the mechanisms of this specific defect type laminated test specimens on smaller scales were produced and analyzed over production process and during temperature cycles derived from the international standards IEC 61215 and IEC 61646. The defect study on small scales allows conclusions about the defect's influence on larger PV modules. Further methods capable for mechanical characterization like Laser Doppler vibrometry, surface geometry scan and digital image correlation are presented briefly. The combination of the methods mentioned above allows a very precise assessment of the mechanical and electrical capability which is essential for reliability and lifetime concepts.

Citation Download Citation

Martin Sander, Bastian Henke, Hannes Schwarz, Sascha Dietrich, Stefan Schweizer, Matthias Ebert, and Jörg Bagdahn "Characterization of PV modules by combining results of mechanical and electrical analysis methods", Proc. SPIE 7773, Reliability of Photovoltaic Cells, Modules, Components, and Systems III, 777308 (19 August 2010); https://doi.org/10.1117/12.860814

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