Durability and Reliability of Polymers and Other Materials in Photovoltaic Modules

Durability and Reliability of Polymers and Other Materials in Photovoltaic Modules describes the durability and reliability behavior of polymers used in Si-photovoltaic modules and systems, particularly in terms of physical aging and degradation process/mechanisms, characterization methods, accelerated exposure chamber and testing, module level testing, and service life prediction. The book compares polymeric materials to traditional materials used in solar applications, explaining the degradation pathways of the different elements of a photovoltaic module, including encapsulant, front sheet, back sheet, wires and connectors, adhesives, sealants, and more.

In addition, users will find sections on the tests needed for the evaluation of polymer degradation and aging, as well as accelerated tests to aid in materials selection. As demand for photovoltaics continues to grow globally, with polymer photovoltaics offering significantly lower production costs compared to earlier approaches, this book will serve as a welcome resource on new avenues.

Provides comprehensive coverage of photovoltaic polymers, from fundamental degradation mechanisms, to specific case studies of durability and materials failure Offers practical, actionable information in relation to service life prediction of photovoltaic modules and accelerated testing for materials selection Includes up-to-date information and interpretation of safety regulations and testing of photovoltaic modules and materials

1. Introduction to Solar Photovoltaic Cells 2. Criteria for the Selection of PV Cell Components 3. Overview: Power Degradation and Failure of PV Systems 4. Overview: durability vs. reliability of common PV polymers/materials 5. Degradation Science and Pathways of PV Systems 6. Degradation processes of PV cells and interconnections 7. Degradation process and mechanism of Encapsulant 8. Degradation process and mechanism of Back Sheet 9. Unique aspects of BIPV Durability and Reliability, including roof integration 10. Degradation processes and mechanisms of PV Wires and Connectors 11. Degradation processes and mechanisms of PV System Adhesives/Sealants and Junction Boxes 12. Accelerated environmental chambers and testing of PV: Q-Lab, Atlas and SPHERE 13. Results of Module Level Testing 14. Service Life Prediction of PV via materials degradation 15. Future Perspectives