Publications Details
Photovoltaic concentrator module reliability: Failure modes and qualification
The purpose of this paper is to discuss the current issues of interest in PV concentrator module reliability. Before describing in detail the reliability concerns about PV concentrator modules, it should be emphasized that, with proper design and attention to quality control, there is nothing to prevent concentrator modules from being as reliable as crystalline-silicon flat-plate modules have proven to be. Concentrator modules tested outdoors, as well as in the first-generation systems, have generally been reliable, and no degradation in cell output has been observed. Also, although they are not included in this paper, there are a few items currently of concern with the reliability of other PV module technologies that are not issues with PV concentrator technology, such as the stability of amorphous-silicon efficiencies and concerns about EVA encapsulation.