Title:	Improving the Reliability of a Solar Road PV Module
Author(s):	M. Vite, A. Boulanger, D.R. Heslinga, R. De Bettignies, J. Gaume, F. Chabuel, E. Coquelle, J. Clatot, D. Rodriguez Gil
Keywords:	Reliability, Mechanical Testing, Solar Road, Carrousel, Combined Sequential Testing
Topic:	PV Applications and Integration
Subtopic:	PV on/in Buildings, Infrastructure, Landscape, Water and Nature
Event:	37th European Photovoltaic Solar Energy Conference and Exhibition
Session:	6DO.11.4
Pages:	1706 - 1710
ISBN:	3-936338-73-6
Paper DOI:	10.4229/EUPVSEC20202020-6DO.11.4
Price:	0,00 EUR
Document(s):	paper

Abstract/Summary:

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The dual use of a photovoltaic module as a road surface element imposes additional and demanding constraints on the design of the module and on the materials used in its construction. In real use conditions of passing traffic and climatological extremes, the solar road module has to withstand severe mechanical, physical and chemical solicitations while maintaining its PV electricity generation capability. The validation of a solar road module product therefore requires a broad reliability testing strategy far beyond the standard PV module certification protocols. The solar road module we present in this paper, on one hand preserves a module power evolution in TC and DH testing comparable to classic PV modules. On the other hand, we discuss a number of severe mechanical tests related to its use as a road surface, which the module also passes with success: metallic shock impact test up to 10 J; 460 kg weight drop test up to 3.2 MPa; metallic indentation test up to 120 MPa; carrousel traffic test up to 20 years equivalent lifetime. Finally, a beginning is made with combined climatic – mechanical testing, which will be further pursued in the future.