I-V curves and visual inspection of 250 PV modules deployed over 2 years in tucson

Emily S. Kopp, Vincent P. Lonij, Adria E. Brooks, Patricia L. Hidalgo-Gonzalez, Alexander D. Cronin

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

18 Scopus citations

Abstract

To study degradation of PV systems, we measured current-voltage (I-V) curves from 250 modules that have been deployed in grid-tied systems for 2 to 12 years in Arizona. We also documented visual signs of weathering. The I-V curves exhibit a variety of imperfections and considerable dispersion of Pmax values. Although many of these modules appear weathered, we found few significant correlations between visible signs of weathering and lower Pmax values, and the most degraded modules have no correlation between visual defects and performance. This indicates that important forms of degradation can remain hidden to the eye.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Title of host publicationProgram - 38th IEEE Photovoltaic Specialists Conference, PVSC 2012
Pages3166-3171
Number of pages6
DOIs
StatePublished - 2012
Event38th IEEE Photovoltaic Specialists Conference, PVSC 2012 - Austin, TX, United States
Duration: Jun 3 2012Jun 8 2012

Publication series

NameConference Record of the IEEE Photovoltaic Specialists Conference
ISSN (Print)0160-8371

Other

Other38th IEEE Photovoltaic Specialists Conference, PVSC 2012
Country/TerritoryUnited States
CityAustin, TX
Period6/3/126/8/12

Keywords

  • PV degradation
  • PV efficiency
  • current-voltage characteristics
  • field testing

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Control and Systems Engineering
  • Industrial and Manufacturing Engineering
  • Electrical and Electronic Engineering

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