PVLife: An integrated model for predicting PV performance degradation over 25+ years

摘要

We report results of an integrated model called PVLife that predicts the performance and degradation of a PV system over its entire lifetime. The model solves the coupled electro-thermal equations to calculate PV panel performance for a given set of weather conditions. Based on this calculated operating point and a series of physical sub-models for key degradation and failure modes, the progressive degradation of the panel performance is simulated, creating a second level of coupling. The sub-models describing the different degradation modes are developed based on data from the field and accelerated laboratory tests. To close the loop, the overall model is compared with both laboratory and field data. Coupled degradation modes, including possible feedback loops, are investigated.