Combined-Accelerated Stress Testing System for Photovoltaic Modules

Abstract

Combining the stress factors of the natural environment into a single test for photovoltaic modules requires fewer modules, fewer parallel tests, and makes it possible to discover potential weaknesses that are not known textbfa priori in new module designs. In this work, we present the necessary textbfhardware and textbfsoftware capabilities for developing, implementing, and performing Combined-Accelerated Stress Testing (C-AST) protocols for photovoltaic modules, using off-the-shelf equipment and accessible software development tools, with the aim of supporting the development of C-AST capabilities by the photovoltaic community.