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Results for “Photovoltaic Module”

Search indexed NASA NTRS and DOE OSTI research on propulsion, heat transfer, battery materials and energy systems. Follow report and document links to the original sources.

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At least 73 records · Page 4
All sourcesNASA NTRSDOE OSTI
DOE OSTI2022

Near-Busbar Degradation of Screen-Printed Metallization in Silicon Photovoltaic Modules

We study photovoltaic (PV) module degradation after extended accelerated stress testing including 2000 hours of damp heat followed by a current-injection procedure meant to stabilize defects linked to light-induced degradation. In addition to de-stabilization/recovery of light-induced defects, we observe severe series resistance due to loss of contact between the Si cell and near-busbar screen-printed metallization (i.e. grid finger delamination). Using scanning electron microscopy and energy dispersive x-ray spectroscopy on cell fragments cored from the module, we show poor contact is caused by a gap between the screen-printed Ag metallization and Si due to missing glass frit.

degradation↗
DOE OSTI2014

Bracket for photovoltaic modules

Brackets for photovoltaic ("PV") modules are described. In one embodiment, a saddle bracket has a mounting surface to support one or more PV modules over a tube, a gusset coupled to the mounting surface, and a mounting feature coupled to the gusset to couple to the tube. The gusset can have a first leg and a second leg extending at an angle relative to the mounting surface. Saddle brackets can be coupled to a torque tube at predetermined locations. PV modules can be coupled to the saddle brackets. The mounting feature can be coupled to the first gusset and configured to stand the one or more PV modules off the tube.

42 ENGINEERING↗
DOE OSTI2017

2016 NREL Photovoltaic Module Reliability Workshop

NREL's Photovoltaic (PV) Module Reliability Workshop (PVMRW) brings together PV reliability experts to share information, leading to the improvement of PV module reliability. Such improvement reduces the cost of solar electricity and promotes investor confidence in the technology - both critical goals for moving PV technologies deeper into the electricity marketplace.

14 SOLAR ENERGY↗
DOE OSTI2017

2015 NREL Photovoltaic Module Reliability Workshops

NREL's Photovoltaic (PV) Module Reliability Workshop (PVMRW) brings together PV reliability experts to share information, leading to the improvement of PV module reliability. Such improvement reduces the cost of solar electricity and promotes investor confidence in the technology--both critical goals for moving PV technologies deeper into the electricity marketplace.

14 SOLAR ENERGY↗
NASA NTRS1979

Residential photovoltaic module and array requirements study

Design requirements for photovoltaic modules and arrays used in residential applications were identified. Building codes and referenced standards were reviewed for their applicability to residential photovoltaic array installations. Four installation types were identified - integral (replaces roofing), direct (mounted on top of roofing), stand-off (mounted away from roofing), and rack (for flat or low slope roofs, or ground mounted). Installation costs were developed for these mounting types as a function of panel/module size. Studies were performed to identify optimum module shapes and sizes and operating voltage cost drivers. It is concluded that there are no perceived major obstacles to the use of photovoltaic modules in residential arrays. However, there is no applicable building code category for residential photovoltaic modules and arrays and additional work with standards writing organizations is needed to develop residential module and array requirements.

Nearhoof, S. L.↗
NASA NTRS1989

Encapsulants And Corrosion In Photovoltaic Modules

Paper reports studies of effects of moisture on photovoltaic modules, presenting data useful in further quantitative studies of such phenomena. Measured data used in computer simulation of two-dimensional conduction to analyze ionic-conduction characteristics of PVB- and EVA-encapsulated modules. Notes encapsulant plays important role in electrochemical processes in photovoltaic module. Indicates how variations in design parameters affect levels of leakage currents in modules. Points out likely leakage-current paths in modules at various temperatures and humidities. Compares results of field and laboratory tests of same specimens and notes greater severity of outdoor environment.

Mon, Gordon R.↗
NASA NTRS1982

Vacuum lamination of photovoltaic modules

Vacuum lamination of terrestrial photovoltaic modules is a new high volume process requiring new equipment and newly develop materials. Equipment development, materials research, and some research in related fields and testing methods are discussed.

Burger, D. R.↗
NASA NTRS1982

The design and development of a rectangular, shingle-type photovoltaic module

A shingle-type photovoltaic module has been designed and developed to meet the requirements of specifications for residential applications. The module is ideally suited for installation directly to the sheathing of a sloping, south-facing roof of a residential, industrial, or commercial building. The design requirements are examined, taking into account also module safety requirements. Aspects of module design and analysis are discussed, giving attention to installation details, solar cells and electrical circuit design, the encapsulation system, substrate lamination, and the module-to-module interconnecting cable. Details of module assembly experience and test and outdoor exposure experience are also considered.

Shepard, N. F., Jr.↗
NASA NTRS1985

The block program approach to photovoltaic module development

A series of photovoltaic module development activities, designated Blocks I through V, used increasingly refined requirements together with extensive testing and failure analysis to assist industry in developing the most advanced modules possible. The block program approach is described and the design details are given for all modules developed, highlighting the blockwise improvements. The success of this approach is demonstrated by the fact that most design details of the Block V modules have been adopted internationally. Instrumental to this success have been the steady improvements in design and test specifications that have guided module development. The experience gained since development of the Block-V specification is being incorporated into a Block VI Design and Test Specification, which includes upgraded and revised application-specific requirements. Highlights of this Block VI specification are also described.

Smokler, M. I.↗
DOE OSTI2022

Multilevel peel-off patterning of a prototype semitransparent organic photovoltaic module

Semitransparent organic photovoltaics (ST-OPVs) with applications to power generating windows have shown substantial increases in power conversion efficiency (PCE) and average photopic transmission (APT) at the laboratory scale. Here, the demonstration of similarly efficient, large-scale ST-OPV modules with geometric fill factors (GFF) approaching 100%, however, remains a challenge. Here, we employ a multilevel peel-off patterning method that can achieve micron-scale resolution without exposing chemically sensitive organic materials to solvents. Eight, 4 cm × 0.4 cm cells are connected in series to realize a prototype ST-OPV module with GFF = 95.8%, with PCE = 7.3 ± 0.2% under simulated AM 1.5G illumination at 1 sun intensity, APT = 41.8 ± 1.4%, and a light utilization efficiency of LUE = 3.1 ± 0.1%. A neutral color STOPV module is also demonstrated with 1.7 ± 0.1% and International Commission on Illumination (CIE) LAB coordinates of (L*, a*, b*) = (53.7, -1.9, -3.9).

14 SOLAR ENERGY↗
DOE OSTI2018

Artifact-Free Coring Procedures for Removing Samples from Photovoltaic Modules for Microscopic Analysis

An important step in producing more reliable and efficient photovoltaic modules is to establish a relationship between the microscopic properties of modules deployed in the field for many years and efficiency-related parameters. The first step in accomplishing this task is to be able to identify and remove small areas from these modules without causing any damage to these samples. In this work, we will describe two different procedures to core small areas of deployed and stressed solar panels produced with different materials (Si, CIGS, and CdTe), and we will prove that these processes did not damage the cored material. We will also show that the coring procedure changes for different types of photovoltaic modules.

14 SOLAR ENERGY↗
DOE OSTI2018

Combined-Accelerated Stress Testing System for Photovoltaic Modules

Combining the stress factors of the natural environment into a single test for photovoltaic modules requires fewer modules, fewer parallel tests, and makes it possible to discover potential weaknesses that are not known textbfa priori in new module designs. In this work, we present the necessary textbfhardware and textbfsoftware capabilities for developing, implementing, and performing Combined-Accelerated Stress Testing (C-AST) protocols for photovoltaic modules, using off-the-shelf equipment and accessible software development tools, with the aim of supporting the development of C-AST capabilities by the photovoltaic community.

14 SOLAR ENERGY↗
DOE OSTI2025

Intraday Outdoor Efficiency Changes in Metal-Halide Perovskite Photovoltaic Modules

Here, we present outdoor observations of metal-halide perovskite modules deployed in the Photovoltaic Accelerator for Commercializing Technologies center, which houses one of the world's broadest efforts to test metal-halide perovskite photovoltaic modules outdoors. As of January 2025, outdoor testing has encompassed over 150 modules from 14 different partners. Our findings illustrate how daily changes in efficiency, driven by exposure to light, affect field performance in real-world conditions. These effects cannot be explained by existing outdoor performance models and frustrate the notion of a traditional temperature coefficient.

14 SOLAR ENERGY↗
DOE OSTI2021

Solar Photovoltaic Module Recycling: A Survey of U.S. Policies and Initiatives

Industry stakeholders, regulators, and policymakers in the United States are starting to develop policies for PV module recycling. Well-designed policies could reduce negative environmental impacts and resource constraints while opening new market and employment opportunities. This paper summarizes drivers, barriers, and enablers related to PV module recycling, which might be addressed via policy. It then analyzes existing and proposed U.S. policies that may affect PV module recycling. Among the global and national voluntary industry stewardship standards related to EoL PV management, this paper discusses a Solar Energy Industries Association program encouraging PV recycling among its U.S. membership. The paper concludes with a synthesis of policy-related factors that may encourage effective EoL PV module management.

14 SOLAR ENERGY↗
DOE OSTI2018

Reducing Operating Temperature in Photovoltaic Modules

Reducing the operating temperature of photovoltaic modules increases their efficiency and lifetime. This can be achieved by reducing the production of waste heat or by improving the rejection of waste heat. We tested, using a combination of simulation and experiment, several thermal modifications in each category. To predict operating temperature and energy yield changes in response to changes to the module, we implemented a physics-based transient simulation framework based almost entirely on measured properties. The most effective thermal modifications reduced the production of waste heat by reflecting unusable light from the cell or the module. Consistent with previous results and verified in this work through year-long simulations, the ideal reflector resulted in an annual irradiance-weighted temperature reduction of 3.8 K for crystalline silicon (c-Si). Our results illustrate that more realistic reflector concepts must balance detrimental optical effects with the intended thermal effects to realize the optimal energy production advantage. Methods improving thermal conductivity or back-side emissivity showed only modest improvements of less than 1 K. We also studied a GaAs module, which uses high-efficiency and high-subbandgap reflectivity to operate at an annual irradiance-weighted temperature 12 K cooler than that of a c-Si module under the same conditions.

14 SOLAR ENERGY↗