Large scale PV-backsheet study in SolMat published by Claudia Buerhop-Lutz
Insulation resistance in relation to distribution of backsheet types in strings and inverters
Polymers are essential for long-term green energy production by photovoltaics (PV). The authors created a unique dataset that links electrical performance data of 28,030 PV modules, combined into 1295 strings and 423 inverters with the identity of the backsheet (BS) materials of each of the tested modules. This dataset gives an insight into BS-versatility and resulting impact on the insulation resistance of strings and inverters.
The BSs were analyzed using near infrared absorption spectroscopy (NIRA) plus visual inspection in the field. The insulation resistance (Riso) of selected modules and strings was measured on-site. Furthermore, reported ground impedance (GI) values were evaluated with respect to an inverter-specific threshold below which the inverters do not start operation.
The scientists differentiated seven BS types, the three most frequent being polyamide (PA), multi-layer BS with fluorinated coating (FC) and with polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF). Although modules with PA show often BS cracking, the insulation resistance was above the threshold. Similar, the GI of inverters with modules with PVDF-BSs was high. Modules with FC-BSs feature generally low Riso–values on module-, string-, and on inverter level.
Evaluating historic data reveals an increase in frequency of GI-values below the threshold for inverters connected to modules with exclusively FC-BSs. While inverters with modules having PA- or PVDF-BSs function as expected, inverters with modules having FC-BSs require maintenance to keep power yield on an acceptable level.
The dataset collected in the present work highlights that the choice of BS-material of PV-modules is essential for reliable operation of PV power stations.
Read the full article here:
C. Buerhop-Lutz, T. Pickel, O. Stroyuk, J. Hauch, I. M. Peters
Insulation resistance in relation to distribution of backsheet types in strings and inverters
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.solmat.2022.111913
