1. Climatic degradation factors
This work aimed to understand which failure modes occur in different environments. A practical outcome has been a screening approach for failure modes that can be carried out in highly accelerated conditions. The work further aims at the development of data sets that allow the classification of geographical regions according to their climatic loads. Therefore it was focusing on the calculation of synergistic effects of different climatic factors (T, r.h. UV, TC...) with regard to degradation effects in materials and full modules.
2. Analysing degradation and failure modes of PV modules
The aim was to achieve a comprehensive understanding of the degradation mechanisms in the field and the possibility of tracing them back to the manufacturing steps. That process has been done through the identification of failure modes as well as the investigation of critical parameters in the manufacturing line that can provide an early signal of potential degradation. Early degradation or failures, as well as standard aging mechanisms, were analysed. The goal was to define figures of merit applicable to the manufacturing process to stop/modify/rework product fabrication.
3. Evaluation of polymeric materials in PV modules
This WP dealt with the investigation and evaluation of polymeric materials which are utilized in and promising new materials for PV modules. Prominent PV module degradation and failure modes like yellowing, delamination, potential induced degradation or corrosion are directly linked to the degradation behaviour of the polymers. The focus of the research was on the weathering stability of the materials as well as on the interactions of the different materials within a PV module for different stress factors and micro-climates.
4. Service life time prediction of PV modules and systems and related economic impact
The aim of this WP was to develop degradation models that allow a prediction of the service lifetime of PV modules and systems, including internal and external aspects, such as e.g. material properties, materials interactions, and climatic influences. The main focus was on the identification of the relevant processes like hot spots, cracks, PID, UV embrittlement, delamination, influencing (climatic) factors and the related kinetics for the degradation for PV modules. This way, a path-breaking tool for the climate- and module-dependent calculation of the yield of a PV plant throughout its lifetime shall be provided.
Impact
There has been also a substantial impact besides the personal development of the ESRs on the quality and excellence of PV reliability research in Europe. The project addresses some of the most crucial scientific topics of PV like material interaction and location specific service-life and yield prediction for PV- modules and systems. As first results already could be presented to the scientific community and industry at the beginning, it was foreseeable that there will be a significant improvement of the know-how on PV reliability in Europe by the project. Solar-Train was one of the biggest or the biggest coordinated activity on PV reliability in Europe and its approach and results are very well recognized up until today. Project representatives have been invited to scientific events and also been asked for cooperation several times from international industrial and scientific organisations and journals which can be seen as catchable proofs for that statement.
