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Photovoltaic Degradation Rates -- An Analytical Review

Journal Article ·
OSTI ID:1045052
;

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 40years. 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.

Research Organization:
National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL), Golden, CO (United States)
Sponsoring Organization:
USDOE Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy (EERE), Solar Energy Technologies Office (EE-4S)
DOE Contract Number:
AC36-08GO28308
OSTI ID:
1045052
Report Number(s):
NREL/JA-5200-51664
Country of Publication:
United States
Language:
English

Figures / Tables (8)

Figure 1(p. 4)figure Figure 1
Figure 2(p. 8)figure Figure 2
Figure 3(p. 9)figure Figure 3
Figure 4(p. 10)figure Figure 4
Figure 5(p. 11)figure Figure 5
Figure 6(p. 13)figure Figure 6
Figure 7(p. 13)figure Figure 7
Table 1(p. 20)table Table 1

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Related Subjects

14 SOLAR ENERGY
FIELD TESTS
FORECASTING
PERFORMANCE
PV
SOLAR ENERGY
TESTING
degradation rates
field testing
outdoor testing
performance
photovoltaic modules