Robust Measurement of Thin-Film Photovoltaic Modules Exhibiting Light-Induced Transients

Research output: Contribution to conferencePaperpeer-review

7 Scopus Citations

Abstract

Light-induced changes to the current-voltage characteristic of thin-film photovoltaic modules (i.e. light-soaking effects) frustrate the repeatable measurement of their operating power. We describe best practices for mitigating, or stabilizing, light-soaking effects for both CdTe and CIGS modules to enable robust, repeatable, and relevant power measurements. We motivate the practices by detailing how modules react to changes in different stabilization methods. We also describe and demonstrate a method for validating alternative stabilization procedures, such as those relying on forward bias in the dark. Reliable measurements of module power are critical for qualification testing, reliability testing, and power rating.

Original languageAmerican English
Number of pages8
DOIs
StatePublished - 2015
EventThin Films for Solar and Energy Technology VII - San Diego, United States
Duration: 9 Aug 201510 Aug 2015

Conference

ConferenceThin Films for Solar and Energy Technology VII
Country/TerritoryUnited States
CitySan Diego
Period9/08/1510/08/15

Bibliographical note

See NREL/CP-5J00-64769 for preprint

NREL Publication Number

  • NREL/CP-5J00-65697

Keywords

  • Metastability
  • Photovoltaic
  • Solar
  • Testing
  • Thin-film
  • Transient

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