Photovoltaic Modules (Technology and Reliability) || 10. Accelerated aging tests

摘要： All environmental simulation tests which allow an accelerated analysis of material degradation processes through intensified environmental stress levels compared to real life can be summarized under the notion of accelerated aging tests. This type of test is especially useful for products with long service lifetimes, such as photovoltaic modules. As guarantees for PV modules cover up to 30 years of service life, accelerated aging tests are of high economic importance for PV modules manufacturers. As PV manufactures aim for utilizing materials which are both economically and technically suitable, accelerated aging tests on full PV modules as well as on separate materials and material combinations are necessary. It is in the interest of the customer as well the investor and the insurance that the product achieves the expected service life without major performance losses. The aim of accelerated aging tests is to achieve reliable results within a very short period of time and with minimum costs in order to keep pace with the rapid innovation cycles. In order to ensure the transferability of the testing result on real life performance, a specific adaptation of the test conditions to the specific materials and stress factors is indispensable. Otherwise, climatic conditions may be induced which either exceed or undermine those under standard operation, and this may subsequently lead to altered physical or chemical degradation processes. Thus, the processes which occur under standard operation should be accelerated but at the same time simulated as close to reality as possible.