Current topics on PV module and system reliability

This presentation gives a brief introduction for current topics discussed in Photovoltaics (PV) industry, especially by the international standard, testing and certification community. So far, the widely used standards are either deal with a design qualification and type approval (such as IEC 61215, IEC 61646), or module safety (such as IEC 61730, UL 1703). Some people in the PV community considered, or declared, that if the product passed these test, they are guaranteed for 20 years or more operation. These opinions are considered by many experts as not correct. For example, on IEC 61215, it specified that “The object of this test sequence is to determine the electrical and thermal characteristics of the module and to show, as far as is possible within reasonable constraints of cost and time, that the module is capable of withstanding prolonged exposure in climates described in the scope. The actual lifetime expectancy of modules so qualified will depend on their design, their environment and the conditions under which they are operated.” The presentation includes newly founded failures occurred on the real PV installations, their possible failure roots, suggested corrections, modifications on standard requirements and testing methods. In specific, the hot-spot endurance test, salt mist test, long term polymer material test, and UV exposal test will be discussed in details.