Thin-film PV modules early degradation analysis: a case study on CIGS

[EN]Solar Photovoltaic (PV) energy generation will be one of the main energy generation technologies in the inner future thanks to the recent and significant reduction of involved costs. One of the most promising and lowest cost technologies is the thin-film PV modules technology. Their currently lo...

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Detalles Bibliográficos
Autores: Diez Suárez, Ana María, Calzada Lorenzo, David de la, González Martínez, Alberto, Álvarez de Prado, Laura, Puente Gil, Álvaro de la, Blanes Peiró, Jorge Juan, Simón Martín, Miguel de
Tipo de recurso: artículo
Estado:Versión publicada
Fecha de publicación:2019
País:España
Institución:Universidad de León
Repositorio:BULERIA. Repositorio Institucional de la Universidad de León
OAI Identifier:oai:buleria.unileon.es:10612/22784
Acceso en línea:https://hdl.handle.net/10612/22784
Access Level:acceso abierto
Palabra clave:Energía
Thin Film PV
PV Degradation and Aging
PV Faults
CIGS
2106.01 Energía Solar
3322.02 Generación de Energía
3322.05 Fuentes no Convencionales de Energía
Descripción
Sumario:[EN]Solar Photovoltaic (PV) energy generation will be one of the main energy generation technologies in the inner future thanks to the recent and significant reduction of involved costs. One of the most promising and lowest cost technologies is the thin-film PV modules technology. Their currently lower performance than single-Si PV modules is compensated by their lower costs and more aesthetical display, which make them especially attractive for building integration. However, because of the novelty of this technology, very few studies have been conducted to analyse its aging and degradation, which has a significant impact on the operation and maintenance needs and, in the end, in its Levelized Cost of Energy (LCOE). Thus, in this work, a systematic review on this technology and on its more frequent faults and degradation effects is conducted first. Then, a set of Copper Indium Gallium Selenide (CIGS) PV modules has been tested under real outdoor conditions and its degradation has been analysed after 3 years operation. A new procedure for faults location and quantification has been established for this sort of PV modules; and early degradation and aging data are presented and analysed. Results show a significant early degradation of this technology and a fast expansion of the PV faults.