CX-102018: Gaining Fundamental Understanding of Critical Failure Modes and Degradation Mechanisms in Fielded Photovoltaic Modules via Multiscale Characterization

Award Number: DE-EE0009347
CX(s) Applied: A9, B3.6, B5.15
Solar Energy Technologies Office
Location(s): FL
Office(s): Golden Field Office

The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) is proposing to provide funding to University of Central Florida (UCF) to characterize field-exposed solar photovoltaic (PV) modules to identify causes of degradation. Existing modules would be characterized both at UCF’s campuses and at field locations operated by project partners. Novel imaging tools would be developed to enable in-field imaging of PV modules without requiring that they be disconnected. Pilot versions of the tools would be developed and tested as part of the project.