PV ageing effects and performance degradation of c-Si PV cells

Eleni Kaplani, Socrates Kaplanis

Research output: Chapter in Book/Report/Conference proceedingConference contribution

Abstract

This paper analyses ageing effects in c-Si PV cells either naturally evolved or induced by external agents, which are shown to lead to performance degradation of the PV cells and modules. PV modules operating in field conditions for 13, 18 and 22 years are examined. Ageing effects including EVA browning, delamination, corrosion, damage in the back sealing surface, etc., are identified by means of visual observation. Hot spots and hot areas identified by means of IR thermography indicate the location and source of defects. The PV performance degradation is measured through an analysis of the I-V curves and the electrical characteristics of the modules, and has shown the naturally aged module to be less degraded in terms of its power output than the module which experienced induced ageing effects.
Original languageEnglish
Title of host publicationProceedings of 6th International Workshop on Teaching in Photovoltaics (IWTPV'12)
Place of PublicationCzech Republic
Number of pages5
Publication statusPublished - 2012
Event6th International Workshop on Teaching in Photovoltaics (IWTPV'12) - Czech Technical University in Prague, Prague, Czech Republic
Duration: 22 Mar 201223 Mar 2012

Workshop

Workshop6th International Workshop on Teaching in Photovoltaics (IWTPV'12)
Country/TerritoryCzech Republic
CityPrague
Period22/03/1223/03/12

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