A physics based approach for PV lifetime and degradation signatures prediction

Abstract

We present a physics-based approach to model the degradation rate/lifetime of Photovoltaic (PV) module considering various aspects that might influence the PV reliability. Our approach considers the optical and thermal properties of a PV module. The electrical model is modelled as time and stress factors dependent based on the degradation rate and reliability models of the PV electrical circuit parameters; series and shunt resistances, transmittance, and the saturation current. Since our model is mostly physics-based, it allows to perform 'what-if' simulations and is hence capable of simulating different PV components, technologies and designs. Moreover, it allows to extract information about the degradation signatures and how they vary with different technologies and climate conditions.