Module Production Costs & Reliability in PV Technology

This lecture covers the module production costs in photovoltaic technology, discussing the costs of different elements like wafer, frame, and backsheet. It also delves into the durability and reliability aspects, explaining the definitions of failure and useful life in PV modules. The lecture further explores the main failure modes detected in the field, such as potential-induced degradation and shadowing issues. Qualification tests for PV modules are also discussed, including visual inspection, thermal cycling, and humidity freeze tests. Additionally, the lecture touches on the aesthetics of PV in buildings, highlighting the importance of integrating photovoltaics harmoniously into building structures.