Needs, Challenges and Approaches for new Service Life Estimation Models for PV Modules – Results from IEA PVPS Task 13 Subtask 1.4
Abstract
The abstract sums up the major outcomes of the Activity 1.4 from the IEA PVPS task 13. The use of linear performance degradation with a constant degradation rate approximation might result in high uncertainty in lifetime yield predictions. Due to this fact the interest for non-linear degradation rates and performance degradation increases steadily. The latest scientific work shows that different degradation effects require different modelling approaches. One of the major outcomes is the fact, that because of the frequently proposed new photovoltaic (PV) materials and the associated different stress factors it is difficult to generalize the corresponding induced degradation mechanisms. In addition, it was found out that new statistical methods such Multi-step Performance Losses (MS-PL) are proposed specifically for PV applications. The more complex models can differentiate between the behaviour of different module types and include the situation at different service locations.