Desert label development for improved reliability and durability of photovoltaic modules in harsh desert conditions

Article Energy & Fuels

Advancing reliability assessments of photovoltaic modules and materials using combined-accelerated stress testing

Michael Owen-Bellini et al.

Summary: A newly introduced combined-accelerated stress test (C-AST) method, which combines multiple stress factors of the natural environment simultaneously, shows improved ability to detect failure modes, which were previously unknown. Research demonstrates that under simulated harsh environmental conditions, various failure modes such as backsheet cracking, solder/interconnect fatigue, and light-induced degradation modes can occur.

PROGRESS IN PHOTOVOLTAICS (2021)

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Article Green & Sustainable Science & Technology

Solar extinction map in Chile for applications in solar power tower plants, comparison with other places from sunbelt and impact on LCOE

Aitor Marzo et al.

Summary: This study presents an improved methodology to estimate the extinction of radiation in the first 150 meters of the lower atmosphere where solar power tower plants are located. Atmospheric extinction maps are developed for Chile, revealing the country's low annual values compared to other regions. These values impact the amount of local useful solar resource available, directly affecting the LCOE values for solar tower power plants.

RENEWABLE ENERGY (2021)

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Article Energy & Fuels

Microstructural analysis of the PV module cementation process at the Solar Platform of the Atacama Desert

Douglas Olivares et al.

Summary: This study analyzes the soiling processes on photovoltaic modules and glasses in the Atacama Desert, finding that gypsum plays a key role in the cementation process. The atmospheric parameters were characterized and the dust samples were separated according to solubility differences. The large daily oscillations in these parameters trigger the encapsulation of insoluble material by gypsum crystallization.

SOLAR ENERGY MATERIALS AND SOLAR CELLS (2021)

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Article Energy & Fuels