Are service lifetime and degradation models suitable for PV modules?

The latest scientific work shows that service lifetime and degradation models for PV modules are of specific use if they combine different modelling approaches and include know-how and modelling parameters of the most relevant degradation effects.

How to predict the service lifetime of PV modules?

To evaluate and predict the service lifetime of PV modules in real-world operating conditions, mathematical approaches are usually utilized , , . Physical and statistical methods have been commonly used and recently machine learning approaches are being applied.

What is the lifetime of a PV module?

Therefore, in the manufacturers’ context, the lifetime of a PV module is often defined as the time required for a PV module to lose its initial STC power by 20% (so-called degradation limit) . For outdoor degradation evaluations, statistical methods are commonly used.

What is the end-of-life of a PV module?

An overview of potential module failures, influencing factors and effects can be found in a previous report of IEA PVPS Task 13 . End-of-life is defined differently for PV modules, depending on the specific context or issue. The end-of-life is typically dependent on the use of the PV module and the specific conditions of the PV power plant.

How long do PV panels last?

A 30-year panel lifetime is a common assumption in PV lifetime environmental impact analysis (e.g. in life cycle assessments) and is recommended by the IEA-PVPS (Frischknecht et al., 2016). The model assumes that at 40 years at the latest PV panels are dismantled for refurbishment and modernisation.

Are PV modules affected by degradation?

This report gives an overview on empirical degradation modelling and service life prediction of PV modules since they are the major components of PV systems that are subject to the effects of degradation. For other components no comparable scientific data is available.