Publications

Skip Navigation Links.

Search for publications:


Limit search to the fields


ECN publication
Title:
New test and characterization methods for PV modules and cells
 
Author(s):
Berkum, J. van; Aken, B.B. van; Sommeling, P.M.; Scholten, H.; Muller, J.; Grossiord, N.; Smits, C.; Blanco Mantecon, M.; Verheijen, M.
 
Published by: Publication date:
ECN Solar Energy 11-4-2012
 
ECN report number: Document type:
ECN-E--12-012 ECN publication
 
Number of pages: Full text:
12 Download PDF  

Abstract:
This report describes the results of project geZONd (shared facility for solar module analysis and reliability testing), set up by Philips, ECN, Holst, Solland, OM&T and Holland Innovative. The partners have shared most of their testing and analysis equipment for PV modules and cells, and together developed new or improved methods (including the necessary application know-how). This enables faster and more efficient innovation projects for each partner, and via commercial exploitation for other interested parties. The project has concentrated on five failure modes: corrosion, delamination, moisture ingress, UV irradiation, and mechanical bending. Test samples represented all main PV technologies: wafer based PV and rigid and flexible thin-film PV. Breakthroughs are in very early detection of corrosion, in quantitative characterization of adhesion, in-situ detection of humidity and oxygen inside modules, and ultra-fast screening of materials on UV stability.


Back to List