Failure analysis methods applied to PV module reliability

William J. Gambogi; Elizabeth F. McCord; H. David Rosenfeld; Roger H. Senigo; Scott Peacock; Katherine M. Stika

doi:10.1117/12.826956

20 August 2009 Failure analysis methods applied to PV module reliability

William J. Gambogi, Elizabeth F. McCord, H. David Rosenfeld, Roger H. Senigo, Scott Peacock, Katherine M. Stika

Proceedings Volume 7412, Reliability of Photovoltaic Cells, Modules, Components, and Systems II; 74120P (2009) https://doi.org/10.1117/12.826956
Event: SPIE Solar Energy + Technology, 2009, San Diego, California, United States

Abstract

In the testing of photovoltaic materials and modules, failure analysis provides insights into the specific mechanism of performance breakdown and offers opportunities to improve performance by materials or process modification. We review various analytical methods applied to photovoltaic modules and test structures to better understand the nature of failure, including several methods not previously discussed in failure analysis literature as applied to photovoltaic devices. Included in this discussion will be the use of environmental scanning electron microscopy (ESEM) and x-ray microtomography to investigate the failure mechanism in electrical impulse testing of a candidate PV module.

Citation Download Citation

William J. Gambogi, Elizabeth F. McCord, H. David Rosenfeld, Roger H. Senigo, Scott Peacock, and Katherine M. Stika "Failure analysis methods applied to PV module reliability", Proc. SPIE 7412, Reliability of Photovoltaic Cells, Modules, Components, and Systems II, 74120P (20 August 2009); https://doi.org/10.1117/12.826956

ACCESS THE FULL ARTICLE

INSTITUTIONAL
Select your institution to access the SPIE Digital Library.

SELECT YOUR INSTITUTION

PERSONAL
Sign in with your SPIE account to access your personal subscriptions or to use specific features such as save to my library, sign up for alerts, save searches, etc.

PERSONAL SIGN IN

No SPIE Account? Create one

PURCHASE THIS CONTENT

SUBSCRIBE TO DIGITAL LIBRARY

50 downloads per 1-year subscription

Members: $195

Non-members: $335 ADD TO CART

25 downloads per 1 - year subscription

Members: $145

Non-members: $250 ADD TO CART

PURCHASE SINGLE ARTICLE

Includes PDF, HTML & Video, when available