Validating PV Module Durability Tests

Note: This report, and the related explanatory text below, were originally published in 2013. It is provided here as a reference document that may provide helpful historical context on how this issue was considered at that time. Please be aware that it may not be reflective of current best practices in this area.

This report details a comprehensive long-term multi-step effort required to develop and validate both current and new durability tests and introduces a roadmap to the development of a service life prediction methodology. It explains basic concepts and principles of durability and reliability testing, service life prediction methodology, and test validation. It summarizes the development rationale leading to the current International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC) module qualification standards and discusses their strengths and weaknesses. Further, it summarizes the main known or suspected failure modes of photovoltaic (PV) modules, currently proposed alternative test protocols, and highlights of ongoing industry and standards activities. The report also includes a gap analysis on these items, a process framework for validating tests, and a summary of efforts underway to establish PV materials tests. Finally, the report recommends an interim solution using the current standards process.