Study of New Generation BP Solar Modules and Commercial PV Connectors and Study of Leakage Current in BP Solar PV Modules in the Hot and Humid Climate of Florida, Year 2, Quarter 2 Report

Report Number

FSEC-CR-1797-09

Keywords

PV Thin-Films; Leakage currents; PV modules; High voltage testing; Photovoltaic connectors; Climate effects on PV

Abstract

A study of leakage currents in Photovoltaic (PV) modules has been shown to be effective in early detection of design, material, as well as process flaws. Therefore it is essential to carry out acceleration testing at high bias voltages in hot and humid climate so as to detect possible design, material and process-induced weak points in PV modules.The accelerated testing of PV modules deployed in hot and humid climate under very high voltage bias conditions is being carried out so as to understand correlation, if any, between the leakage current and mobile corrosive impurities. Moreover, efforts will be made to elucidate the modes and mechanisms of failures in PV modules with an aim to apply the Physics of Failure methodology for improving the service lifetime of PV modules specially developed for high voltage PV systems. A detailed study on various types of PV connectors is also being carried out in order to understand the effect of hot and humid environment conditions on PV connectors. Moreover, seven PV modules are being tested using a multitracer. The modules are maintained at the maximum power point and continuous current-voltage measurements are being carried out. This testing method will aid in determining the distributed series resistance of the PV modules and also will enable in detecting the correlation between the meteorological parameters and the series resistance of the PV modules.

Date Published

3-13-2009

Identifiers

365

Subjects

Photovoltaic power systems; Electric connectors; Electric resistance; Climatic changes

Local Subjects

PV Thin-Films

Collection

FSEC Energy Research Center® Collection

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