A comprehensive study of 18-19 years field aged modules for degradation rate determination along with defect detection and analysis using IR, EL, UV

Saddam Ali, Asad Ali, Saim Saher, Haider Saif Agha, Hatif Bin Abdul Majeed, Farrukh Ibne Mahmood, Govindasamy Tamizhmani

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

5 Scopus citations

Abstract

Determination of the degradation modes and degradation rates of solar photo-voltaic (PV) modules in field exposure is of paramount importance in PV reliability studies. This contribution aims at the IV, IR, UV, and EL characterization of PV modules for determination of defects and correlation with the performance parameters (FF, Pmax, Isc) along with series resistance. 24 PV modules aged 18-19 years in hot desert conditions of Arizona, USA were subjected to various characterization techniques. First baseline light IV and dark IV was performed and the results were used to calculate the degradation in Pmax, Isc, FF, series resistances (Rs). The Pmax, FF, Isc, and Rs were degraded 1.36%/year, 0.53%/year, 0.88%/year, 3.026%/year respectively. After this IR, UV and EL imaging was performed on the modules. The IR thermography showed major temperature anomalies and hotspots causing overheating and reduced performance. The UV fluorescence imaging revealed encapsulant discoloration of moderate to severe levels that could cause a decline in the intensity of the radiation absorbed by the cells. The EL imaging showed substantial dark areas on all of modules.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Title of host publicationProceedings of 2018 15th International Bhurban Conference on Applied Sciences and Technology, IBCAST 2018
PublisherInstitute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers Inc.
Pages28-35
Number of pages8
ISBN (Electronic)9781538635643
DOIs
StatePublished - Mar 9 2018
Event15th International Bhurban Conference on Applied Sciences and Technology, IBCAST 2018 - Islamabad, Pakistan
Duration: Jan 9 2018Jan 13 2018

Publication series

NameProceedings of 2018 15th International Bhurban Conference on Applied Sciences and Technology, IBCAST 2018
Volume2018-January

Other

Other15th International Bhurban Conference on Applied Sciences and Technology, IBCAST 2018
Country/TerritoryPakistan
CityIslamabad
Period1/9/181/13/18

Keywords

  • El
  • IR thermography
  • UV fluorescence
  • degradation rates

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Aerospace Engineering
  • Mechanics of Materials
  • Ceramics and Composites
  • Electronic, Optical and Magnetic Materials
  • Metals and Alloys
  • Polymers and Plastics

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