CHARACTERIZATION OF PHOTOVOLTAIC MODULES AFTER 20 YEARS OF TROPICAL WEATHER OUTDOOR EXPOSURE

摘要

This paper presents the results of the characterization of photovoltaic modules after 20 years of outdoorexposure, and 10 years of operation in Brazil. Several samples of the installed modules were sent to CIEMATlaboratories in Madrid (Spain), where visual inspection, IR characterization, analysis of the chemical composition ofthe modules, and electrical characterization was performed. I-V curves were measured indoors with solar simulator,and main curve parameters were compared to those obtained from an equivalent module without external exposure.The effect of dust and dirt was evaluated. Series and shunt resistance were calculated, relating these values with thepower losses and the visual defects found.