Modelling and Validation of Photovoltaic Degradation under Ultraviolet-Damp-Heat Conditions

To mimic outdoor photovoltaic (PV) degradation mechanisms, combinatory accelerated tests are being proposed. However, to design experiments that represent the diverse outdoor conditions, it requires considerable time and costs. In this case, mathematical models are used to simulate the different stress conditions that can be experienced in the field. In this paper, we present a model for combined ultraviolet-damp-heat conditions based on experimental observations. The model is applied to correlated indoor to outdoor conditions using monitored climatic from three different locations and also global climatic data extracted from ERA5 reanalysis. In the paper, it is shown that relative humidity has a big impact on degradation mechanisms induced during Ultraviolet-Damp-Heat conditions.