Using Measurements to Detect Electrical Problems in Operational Photovoltaic Arrays

摘要

The US Department of Energy has set a 20-year lifetime goal for terrestrial photovoltaic modules. In its capacity as a Photovoltaic Field Tests and Applications Center, Massachusetts Institute of Technology Lincoln Laboratory has established various experimental test sites throughout the United States from 1.5 to 100 kW of peak power. These sites contain modules from several manufacturers and serve as test beds for photovoltaic system components. From May 1977 to date, over 11,000 modules have been placed in service at these sites, of which a total of 320 have suffered electrical failures. The methods used to detect failures in operational photovoltaic power-generating systems are reported for several Lincoln Laboratory test sites. (ERA citation 07:006982)