Correlation of Qualification Testing with Field Degradation Award Number: DE-EE0007138 CX(s) Applied: A9, B3.6 Solar Energy Technologies Office Date: 7/12/2016 Location(s): AZ Office(s): Golden Field Office
Office of NEPA Policy and Compliance
July 20, 2016
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Correlation of Qualification Testing with Field Degradation
Award Number: DE-EE0007138
CX(s) Applied: A9, B3.6
Solar Energy Technologies Office
Date: 7/12/2016
Location(s): AZ
Office(s): Golden Field Office
The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) is proposing to provide federal funding to Arizona State University (ASU) to improve existing degradation prediction protocols so that photovoltaic (PV) module field degradation is predicted to within 30% of its field-measured value. This would be achieved through modeling of field operating environments, performing parametric accelerated tests on field-aged modules, and developing rate-dependency models.
Proposed activities would include retrieval of 10-15 PV modules measuring either 2ft. by 4ft. or 3ft. by 5ft. from the field, in-lab accelerated degradation testing of those modules, data analysis and computer modeling. All of these activities would take place on campus at ASU in Mesa, AZ. The facility in which lab work would occur is purpose-built for the type of activities being proposed; therefore, no adverse impacts to sensitive resources are expected as a result of the proposed project. No change in the use, mission or operation of existing facilities would arise out of this effort and all applicable permits either are or would be in place before work is begun.