NREL Study: Current Standards May Underestimate UV's Long-Term Impact on N-Type Solar Modules
Researchers from the National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL) have discovered that current standards may underestimate the long-term affect of ultraviolet (UV) light on n-type solar modules. The study, published in Progress in Photovoltaics, suggests that UV-induced degradation (UVID) can cause significant power losses over time.
The study, titled 'UV + Damp Heat Induced Power Losses in Fielded Utility N-Type Si PV Modules,' investigated the impact of UV exposure beyond the IEC 61215-2 MQT10 standard (15 kWh/m, 280-400 nm) on a 3 MW commercial rooftop PV system using n-type modules with Passivated Emitter and Rear Cell (PERT) technology. The system, monitored over about 6 years, showed a steady degradation of approximately 2.4% per year relative to its nameplate power.
The research team, led by E. Ashley Gaulding, Elizabeth Palmiotti, and Joseph Karas, found that damp heat stress following UV exposure led to severe series resistance degradation in the modules. This indicates that the current IEC standards, which do not account for long-term effect of UV, may not adequately assess UVID-related performance losses.
The study highlights the need for revised testing standards to better evaluate the long-term effect of UV exposure on solar modules. The findings underscore the importance of thorough performance assessments to ensure the reliability and longevity of PV systems, particularly those in regions with high UV radiation.
