Assessing technology Vs climate PV performance degradation rates variabilities

The technology and materials used to manufacture PV modules has been rapidly evolving in the last 3 decades. In addition, PV module manufacturers are offering products with complex warranty terms which typically include a 12-year (or longer) Product Workmanship Warranty and a 25-year (or longer) Power Warranty. The latter typically consists of a first degradation rate and a linear annual degradation rate afterwards. Finally, PV modules are being installed in a wide range of locations and climates which impact their operational performance and in particular the energy yield of a PV system over time.  

Based on literature review, information from suppliers and operational Return on Experience (REX), PV consultancy companies and utility scale owners establish recommendations of degradation rates to be used for project development for each PV module technology.  

Within imec energy yield simulation framework, we have developed methodologies to adapt these degradation rates (and hence the projected energy yields of a PV system) according to the PV system location and climate. Initial validations of the simulated trends have been correlated with trends observed in the literature as a first validation process. However, we would like to extend our validations: more specifically, we are interested in the technology Vs climate variabilities of the PV modules currently on the market.  

The successful candidate will start with a comprehensive literature review to find correlations of PV performance degradation rate of different solar cell technologies in different climates.  Output of the literature review will be used as input to validate the degradation rate methodologies developed with in energy yield simulation framework. Lastly, the candidate will help us develop a validated and adaptable degradation watch toolbox/interface.   

The candidate will also assist in the manufacture of different c-Si solar cells and modules with different structural materials including semi-transparent modules (glass/glass and glass-transparent backsheet). The modules will then be characterized through current-voltage (I-V) and electroluminescence (EL) measurements and later tested for reliability through UV measurements, damp heat, thermal cycling and mechanical load tests.  

Through this, we will obtain a better understanding and validate simulated results of degradation mechanisms in different PV module technologies. 

The work will be conducted in the newly built laboratories at imec in EnergyVille, Genk, working withing the energy systems team.  

Skill required: You can read and comprehend scientific articles very well, you have a good knowledge of Python or MATLAB. Good knowledge of statistical data analysis, Knowledge on PV degradation mechanism will be a plus. Good lab skills and knowledge of the functioning principles of solar cells.