Onymous early-life performance degradation analysis of recent photovoltaic module technologies

The cost of photovoltaic (PV) modules has declined by 85% since 2010. To achieve this reduction, manufacturers altered module designs and bill of materials; changes that could affect module durability and reliability. To determine if these changes have affected module durability, we measured the performance degradation of 834 fielded PV modules representing 13 module types from 7 manufacturers in 3 climates over 5 years. Degradation rates (Rd) are highly nonlinear over time, and seasonal variations are present in some module types. Mean and median degradation rate values of -0.62%/year and -0.58%/year, respectively, are consistent with rates measured for older modules. Of the 23 systems studied, 6 have degradation rates that will exceed the warranty limits in the future, whereas 13 systems demonstrate the potential of achieving lifetimes beyond 30 years, assuming Rd trends have stabilized.

Automated summary

The study investigates the cost reduction of photovoltaic modules since 2010 and examines if the changes in module designs and materials have affected module durability. The research finds that while degradation rates are nonlinear over time and seasonal variations exist in some modules, the overall degradation rates are similar to older modules. The study also identifies that some systems may exceed warranty limits in the future, but others demonstrate the potential to achieve lifetimes beyond 30 years.