Onymous early‐life performance degradation analysis of recent photovoltaic module technologies
- Sandia National Laboratories Albuquerque New Mexico USA
- National Renewable Energy Laboratory Golden Colorado USA
- University of Central Florida – FSEC Energy Research Center Cocoa Florida USA
Abstract
The cost of photovoltaic (PV) modules has declined by 85% since 2010. To achieve this reduction, manufacturers altered module designs and bill of materials; changes that could affect module durability and reliability. To determine if these changes have affected module durability, we measured the performance degradation of 834 fielded PV modules representing 13 module types from 7 manufacturers in 3 climates over 5 years. Degradation rates ( Rd ) are highly nonlinear over time, and seasonal variations are present in some module types. Mean and median degradation rate values of −0.62%/year and −0.58%/year, respectively, are consistent with rates measured for older modules. Of the 23 systems studied, 6 have degradation rates that will exceed the warranty limits in the future, whereas 13 systems demonstrate the potential of achieving lifetimes beyond 30 years, assuming Rd trends have stabilized.
- Sponsoring Organization:
- USDOE
- OSTI ID:
- 1880149
- Journal Information:
- Progress in Photovoltaics, Journal Name: Progress in Photovoltaics Journal Issue: 2 Vol. 31; ISSN 1062-7995
- Publisher:
- Wiley Blackwell (John Wiley & Sons)Copyright Statement
- Country of Publication:
- United Kingdom
- Language:
- English