PV Module Degradation in the Field and in the Lab - How Does It Fit Together?

To design realistic and quick accelerated aging tests, the comparison between the degradation mechanisms induced by outdoor exposure and by accelerated aging tests is indispensable. Various accelerated aging tests, i.e. heat aging, UV aging, damp-heat aging and combined UV / damp-heat aging, were performed on full-size PV modules from different PV module manufacturers. The climate-dependence of the degradation was investigated on identical PV modules which have been exposed in different extreme climates for up to six years. A comprehensive degradation analysis was performed, i.e. by means of power measurements, electroluminescence imaging and Raman spectroscopy. The electrical characterization showed a high stability of all investigated modules.