Photovoltaic module reliability

Provides practical guidance on the latest quality assurance and accelerated stress test methods for improved long-term performance prediction of PV modules This book has been written from a historical perspective to guide readers through how the PV industry learned what the failure and degradation modes of PV modules were, how accelerated tests were developed to cause the same failures and degradations in the laboratory, and then how these tests were used as tools to guide the design and fabrication of reliable and long-life modules. Photovoltaic Module Reliability starts with a brief history of photovoltaics, discussing some of the different types of materials and devices used for commercial solar cells. It then goes on to offer chapters on: Module Failure Modes; Development of Accelerated Stress Tests; Qualification Testing; and Failure Analysis Tools. Next, it examines the use of quality management systems to manufacture PV modules. Subsequent chapters cover the PVQAT Effort; the Conformity Assessment and IECRE; and Predicting PV Module Service Life. The book finishes with a look at what the future holds for PV. A comprehensive treatment of current photovoltaic (PV) technology reliability and necessary improvement to become a significant part of the electric utility supply system Well documented with experimental and practical cases throughout, enhancing relevance to both scientific community and industry Timely contribution to the harmonization of methodological aspects of PV reliability evaluation with test procedures implemented to certify PV module quality Written by a leading international authority in PV module reliability Photovoltaic Module Reliability is an excellent book for anyone interested in PV module reliability, including those working directly on PV module and system reliability and preparing to purchase modules for deployment. "This book will cover the reliability of photovoltaic modules. Since PV modules are required to produce electricity for a long time (typically 20 to 30 years) their reliability and durability are key to their commercial success. As PV has now grown into a large industry the reliability is even more critical. Failure of the modules in even one large system could lead to the loss of hundreds of millions of dollars. To understand why PV modules are usually considered a very reliable product, this book will review the history of the reliability efforts showing how field failures were used to develop accelerated stress tests that were then used to provide quick feedback on changes to the products that improved their reliability. Once the reader understands how the industry arrived at its present state, the book will turn to the future, looking at what will be necessary in order to develop a methodology for providing a service life prediction. PV is now a fairly well known technology with many systems deployed on residential rooftops, commercial buildings and utility scale fields. This of course was not the case as recently as the mid-1990s. Module reliability has been one of the critical requirements in the growth of PV. Over this time frame the cost of PV modules has gone from more than $10/per peak watt to less than $0.5 per peak watt. During that same time period module warranties have increased to 25 years or more with the necessary reliability and durability. Going forward we expect to see module prices continue to decline as PV reaches grid parity for most if not all applications. It is imperative that the module reliability be maintained in this transition to lower cost. It is also critical that better Quality Assurance methods and improved accelerated stress tests be developed in order to provide service life predictions for deployment in any terrestrial environment. Investors want better tools for predicting the long term performance than what is available today"-- Provided by publisher Content: Module Failure Modes -- Development of Accelerated Stress Tests -- Qualification Testing -- Failure Analysis Tools -- Using Quality Management Systems to Manufacture PV Modules -- The PVQAT Effort -- Conformity Assessment and IECRE -- Predicting PV Module Service Life -- What does the Future Hold for PV and a Brief Summary.