Durability Testing Protocol aids PV module assessment standards.
Press Release Summary:
Providing additional information for investors, PV Module Durability Initiative (PVDI) will offer robust testing protocol exceeding demands of IEC standard module certification. Protocol will generate extensive, quantitative reliability data for modules relevant for their expected lifetime under different kinds of stress. Instead of simply using pass/fail criteria, quantitative scores enable credible ranking of modules based on their likelihood to perform reliably.
Original Press Release:
New PV Module Durability Testing Protocol Initiated by Fraunhofer ISE and CSE
Quantitative Data Comparing Durability and Reliability of PV Modules Accessible for Investors
CAMBRIDGE, Mass. -- To further improve testing standards for PV modules, Fraunhofer ISE and Fraunhofer CSE have announced the launch of the PV Module Durability Initiative (PVDI). With the intention to provide additional information for investors, this initiative will offer a more robust testing protocol for a wide range of PV modules, exceeding the demands of IEC standard module certification. It is the first widely available program to generate extensive, quantitative reliability data for modules, relevant for their expected lifetime under different kinds of stress. The tests do not simply use pass/fail criteria but generate quantitative scores enabling the credible ranking of modules based on their likelihood to perform reliably.
The key differentiating features of the PVDI include extended accelerated testing, UV, damp heat with positive and negative voltage bias as well as dynamic mechanical stresses. Also included are typical stresses such as temperature cycling, humidity-freeze, and damp-heat, which have been extended in order to come closer to the actual lifetime stress of a module. The PVDI program further includes an R&D component and outdoor exposure testing which aims to constantly improve the tests and to offer better models for module lifetime predictions.
Under the leadership of the Fraunhofer Institute for Solar Energy Systems ISE, with its decades of experience in PV technology development, testing and qualification, Fraunhofer is introducing the PV Durability Initiative as the ideal framework to apply this experience for comprehensive testing. "Our new initiative will give investors a tool to obtain a quantitative, third party, independent assessment on the long-term durability of PV modules," says Dr. Harry Wirth, Director of Fraunhofer ISE's Photovoltaic Modules, Systems and Reliability Division.
The Fraunhofer Institute for Solar Energy Systems ISE in Freiburg, Germany and the Fraunhofer Center for Sustainable Energy Systems CSE in Cambridge, MA and Albuquerque, NM will jointly operate the PV Durability Initiative. "Performing testing and R&D in our labs in Germany and the U.S. will give us a great opportunity to serve global PV investors and manufacturers," says Dr. Christian Hoepfner, Director of Technical Operations at Fraunhofer CSE. "In addition to providing manufacturers with our new PV module testing protocol, the PVDI research team will work closely with international R&D and standards communities to support development of an international testing standard for the assessment of PV module quality."
Testing according to the PVDI 2012 Test Protocol will start in October 2011. Several modules from leading PV module manufacturers will be part of the first round of testing. Initial data will be published in the second quarter of 2012, together with the Test Protocol outline. The publication will include data from all modules tested, and rank the modules in several degradation indicators. Program participants will have access to a detailed level of data and findings.
About Fraunhofer:
Fraunhofer-Gesellschaft is the leading organization for applied research in Europe with 60 research institutes and 18,000 employees who work with an annual research budget of 1.65 billion euros. Fraunhofer USA, Inc. is a non-profit applied research organization headquartered in Plymouth, Michigan with six research centers that collaborate with major universities throughout the U.S. www.fraunhofer.org
One of Fraunhofer USA's research centers is the Center for Sustainable Energy Systems CSE, located in Cambridge, MA. FraunhoferCSE is an applied research and development laboratory dedicated to the commercialization of clean energy technologies. CSE engages in contract research and development with private companies, government entities, and academic institutions. Current research focuses on PV module design and manufacturing and energy efficient building technologies. cse.fraunhofer.org
The Fraunhofer Institute for Solar Energy Systems ISE, located in Freiburg, Germany is the largest solar energy research institute in Europe. The Institute is committed to promoting energy supply systems which are sustainable, economic, safe and socially just. ISE develops materials, components, systems and processes for seven different business areas: Energy-Efficient Buildings and Technical Building Components, Applied Optics and Functional Surfaces, Solar Thermal Technology, Silicon Photovoltaics, Alternative Photovoltaic Technology, Renewable Power Generation and Hydrogen Technology. ISE operates several testing centers for various solar technologies and in the building sector. www.ise.fraunhofer.de
Text of the PR and photos can be downloaded from www.ise.fraunhofer.de.
