Testing Performance, Weathering and Aging of Photovoltaic Modules

This paper presents the ASTM WK22010 proposed standard on testing of photovoltaic modules. It aims to become a general framework that defines objective parameters regarding output production and lifecycle of modules and includes: - quantifying the PV module performance decay from the global effects of extended outdoor weather exposure and induced fatigue stress; - determine the mechanical resistance of modules to weathering from exposure to real outdoor or artificially created conditions, including extreme weather events; - determine the mechanical resistance and decay of optical characteristics of glasses from exposure to real outdoor or artificially created conditions, including extreme weather events; - determine the effective output production of modules and the resulting decay, during the expected module lifetime in real operating conditions and/or predefined artificial weather conditions; in order to predict performance in different real weather conditions from test result parameters.