Performance of terrestrial photovoltaic modules at MIT Lincoln Laboratory experimental photovoltaic systems
During the years 1977-1980, MIT Lincoln Laboratory placed over 11,000 photovoltaic (PV) modules at experimental PV power-generating systems in a number of field test sites in the United States. Prominent among these are a 100-kW system at Natural Bridges National Monument in Utah, a 25-kW system at Mead, Nebraska, and a 15-kW system at Bryan, Ohio. The modules used in each of these systems were procured through the Jet Propulsion Laboratory's Large-Scale Procurement Program. Through a program of periodic surveillance, measurements and inspections at the aforementioned sites, over 250 electrically failed modules have been located, removed and analyzed during this four-year period. The principal causes of failure were: (1) cells cracked due to weathering or internal module stresses; (2) failed solder joints; (3) interconnects not soldered to rear sides of cells at assembly; (4) cells or interconnects electrically shorted to metallic substrates; and (5) broken or split interconnects. Details and photographs of many of the different types of failures are presented. In addition, some of the analysis techniques used to locate the failures are described.
- Research Organization:
- Massachusetts Inst. of Technology (MIT), Lexington, MA (United States). Lincoln Lab.
- DOE Contract Number:
- AC02-76ET20279
- OSTI ID:
- 6352803
- Report Number(s):
- DOE/ET/20279-140; ON: DE81029995
- Country of Publication:
- United States
- Language:
- English
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Related Subjects
SOLAR CELL ARRAYS
ELECTRICAL FAULTS
FAILURES
COMBINED COLLECTORS
CRACKS
ELECTRIC CONTACTS
FIELD TESTS
IN-SERVICE INSPECTION
PERFORMANCE
PHOTOVOLTAIC POWER PLANTS
SOLDERED JOINTS
ELECTRICAL EQUIPMENT
EQUIPMENT
INSPECTION
JOINTS
POWER PLANTS
SOLAR COLLECTORS
SOLAR EQUIPMENT
SOLAR POWER PLANTS
TESTING
140501* - Solar Energy Conversion- Photovoltaic Conversion