Performance stability of photovoltaic modules in different climates

Markus Schweiger, Johanna Bonilla, Werner Herrmann, Andreas Gerber, Uwe Rau

Index: 10.1002/pip.2904

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Abstract

The metastable behaviour and long-term stability of various photovoltaic module technologies was investigated systematically in different climates by a new approach based on internationally approved standards. Relative changes in the power performance at standard test conditions could be traced, using outdoor I-V curve data, with an uncertainty of ±1% independent of meteorological influences. The metastable behaviour of thin-film photovoltaic modules is a decisive factor significantly influencing their energy yield especially during the first year of outdoor exposure.