Title:	Quantative Evaluation of Output Power Degradation for Crystalline Silicon PV Modules in Field Exposure Test by Using Equivalent Circuit Model
Author(s):	K. Hayashi, Y. Takahashi, K. Fujiwara, Y. Ishihara, S. Nishikawa, H. Kato
Keywords:	Degradation, Electroluminescence, Equivalent Circuit, PV Module
Topic:	Components for PV Systems
Subtopic:	PV Modules
Event:	27th European Photovoltaic Solar Energy Conference and Exhibition
Session:	4EO.3.2
Pages:	3182 - 3187
ISBN:	3-936338-28-0
Paper DOI:	10.4229/27thEUPVSEC2012-4EO.3.2
Price:	0,00 EUR
Document(s):	paper

Abstract/Summary:

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In this paper, based on the data of field exposure test, which was initiated by Japan Electrical Safety & Environment Technology Laboratories (JET), we investigate the degradation characteristics of crystalline silicon PV modules by using its equivalent circuit model for the purpose of the lifetime extension in the development of PV modules. Specifically, we observe the degradation of bus bar electrode and solar cell by capturing electro luminescence images and infrared images of the surface of PV modules when forward voltage is applied. Although this observation enables us to determine which part of the PV module deteriorates, it is impossible to quantitatively evaluate how much each deteriorated component has an influence on power degradation. Accordingly, using the equivalent circuit model of the PV module, we calculate the equivalent circuit parameters from the measured I-V characteristics of the PV modules in the field exposure test by the least squares method. We adopt the photocurrent, series resistance, shunt resistance and diode factor as unknown parameters in the equivalent circuit model. Based on the change of the circuit parameters, we evaluate the influence of the deterioration of each component on decline of output power quantitatively.