Module Durability
The International Photovoltaic Quality Assurance Task Force's module durability efforts focus on testing for elements that significantly contribute to wear, fatigue, and stress in PV modules.
Current Progress
PVQAT is proposing a test that will differentiate three climates (desert, tropical, and temperate) and two use environments (open rack and close-roof mount). This test protocol is being discussed by the IEC for consideration as IEC 62892.
PVQAT has ongoing research projects to guide the writing of IEC 62892-1, "Testing of PV modules to differentiate performance in multiple climates and applications – Part 1: Requirements for testing."
Task Groups
Associated task groups include:
- Thermal and Mechanical Fatigue Including Vibration: Task Group 2
- Humidity, Temperature, and Voltage: Task Group 3
- Diodes, Shading, and Reverse Bias: Task Group 4
- UV, Temperature, and Humidity: Task Group 5
- Snow and Wind Loading: Task Group 7
- Thin-Film Photovoltaic Modules: Task Group 8
- Concentrator Photovoltaic Modules (CPV): Task Group 9
- Junction Box Connectors: Task Group 10
- Soiling: Task Group 12
- Cells: Task Group 13
Complementary efforts are underway to support manufacturing consistency, system verification, and communication of results.