Photovoltaics Reliability: Research and Development to Ensure a Scientific Basis of Qualification Tests and Standards

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This core capability project is performing research and development that leads to science-based tests and standards that can better ensure PV system reliability and quality. The team will design and perform accelerated stress tests on PV products and then correlate the results with successes and failures of PV products in the field. Testing will focus on the module package—including the glass and frame, interconnection devices, and solar cells—and the micro-characterization of both failed and healthy modules to help improve test accuracy and predictive ability. The new tests will help PV system owners better predict long-term safety and energy generation of different products while lowering the cost of PV electricity by extending the lifetime of PV modules.