Application Guide on

Photovoltaic modules are exposed to extremely harsh conditions of heat, humidity, high voltage, mechanical stress, and UV. Current IEC qualification tests do not require UV exposure high enough to evaluate a lifespan of 20 years or more.
With xenon arc weathering technology, the effect on encapsulant materials of 20 years real-world exposure can be obtained in just over 6 months laboratory testing.

The Application Guide is a reprint of a paper by Michael D. Kempe, National Renewable Energy Laboratory, that addresses the following topics:

• IEC UV preconditioning and xenon weathering
• Real-world conditions for PV modules
• Role and influence of different encapsulants
• Effect of UV on lifetime of PV modules
• Testing recommendations