PV module performance at Mead, Nebraska test site. Quarterly report for October 1, 1978--December 31, 1978

Technical Report · Sun Apr 01 04:00:00 EST 1979

DOI:https://doi.org/10.2172/6071067· OSTI ID:6071067

Forman, S. E.; Themelis, M. P.

The Department of Energy has set a 20-year lifetime goal for terrestrial photovoltaic modules. Massachusetts Institute of Technology's Lincoln Laboratory, in its capacity as a Photovoltaic Field Tests and Applications Center, has established various experimental test sites in the United States ranging in size from 0.1 to 25 kW of peak power. These sites serve as test beds for photovoltaic system components and include modules from several manufacturers. This report summarizes the activities of the Materials, Processes and Testing Laboratory of the Solar Photovoltaic Project during a three-month (10/1/78--12/31/78) period. Particular attention is given to testing and analysis of solar modules from the Mead, Nebraska site, which contains a 25-kW array. A trip to the site was made, where various testing and inspection procedures were followed, in order to ascertain the physical and electrical degradation which had occurred in modules. In addition, several modules were removed for more detailed testing and inspection in the Laboratory. The results of both the field testing and laboratory analyses are reported here.

• Research Organization: Massachusetts Inst. of Tech., Lexington (USA). Lincoln Lab.
• Sponsoring Organization: US Energy Research and Development Administration (ERDA)
• DOE Contract Number: EY-76-C-02-4094
• OSTI ID: 6071067
• Report Number(s): COO--4094-40
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

14 SOLAR ENERGY
140501* -- Solar Energy Conversion-- Photovoltaic Conversion
ELECTRICAL PROPERTIES
INSPECTION
MIDWEST REGION
NEBRASKA
NORTH AMERICA
PERFORMANCE TESTING
PHOTOVOLTAIC POWER PLANTS
PHYSICAL PROPERTIES
POWER PLANTS
POWER RANGE 10-100 KW
SERVICE LIFE
SOLAR CELL ARRAYS
SOLAR POWER PLANTS
TESTING
THERMAL DEGRADATION
USA