Qualification testing of photovoltaic concentrators
Abstract
Sandia has developed a revised set of specifications for qualification testing of passively-cooled photovoltaic concentrator modules. The purpose of the tests is to screen new concentrator designs and new production runs for susceptibility to known failure mechanisms; concentrator hardware must be qualified prior to array-level installation at Sandia's Photovoltaic Advanced System Test Facility (PASTF). Tests for cell assemblies and receiver sections, as well as for complete modules, are specified. They include ultraviolet radiation testing of materials, characterization of electrical performance checks to assure safety and structural integrity of modules, and accelerated environmental aging or cycling.
- Publication:
-
Presented at the 19th IEEE Photovoltaic Specialists Conference
- Pub Date:
- 1987
- Bibcode:
- 1987pvs..conf.....R
- Keywords:
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- Concentrators;
- Performance Tests;
- Photovoltaic Cells;
- Qualifications;
- Solar Arrays;
- Solar Collectors;
- Aging (Metallurgy);
- Cyclic Loads;
- Safety Management;
- Structural Analysis;
- Test Facilities;
- Ultraviolet Radiation;
- Energy Production and Conversion