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

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

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 Technology (MIT), Lexington, MA (United States). 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