OUTDOOR PERFORMANCE AND STABILITY TESTING OF THIN-FILM DEVICES

An advanced photovoltaic (PV) systems test facility, testing and evaluation methods, and outdoor (global performance) test results for photovoltaic thin film devices are described. Performance and stability test results on amorphous silicon PV thin film submodules and modules are summarized for the period 1983 - 1986. Results indicate that steady improvements in submodule and module performance are being made as amorphous silicon thin film cells are fabricated and interconnected over larger areas. Stability performance test results for amorphous silicon modules obtained for different time periods under natural sunlight, show varying degrees of performance degradation trends. The data indicate a need to identify underlying degradation mechanisms and possible solutions generic to the cell materials, cell interconnections and device fabrication.