Funding OpportunityPREDICTS 2

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SunShot SubprogramPV
Location: Livermore, CA
Amount Awarded: $570,000
Awardee Cost Share: $375,000
Principal Investigator: Mihail Bora

As a part of their PREDICTS 2 award, researchers at Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory (LLNL) will explore the use of spectral imaging as a non-destructive means of detecting and evaluating moisture buildup on photovoltaic (PV) cells. If water penetrates into a PV modules, it can corrode, delaminate and decrease the efficiency of the solar cells inside. Quantifying the extent of this process can be used to develop a screening tool that helps protect future PV modules from water damage and improves solar cell reliability. This project was announced on September 16, 2015 at the Solar Power International conference. Read the press release.

APPROACH

In order to evaluate the moisture content of PV modules, LLNL researchers will use the results of the spectral imaging to create two-dimensional maps and models of water concentration. By using spectral imagery researchers can measure water content while leaving the PV module intact, so researchers can continue to evaluate water impacts over time. 

INNOVATION

LLNL will demonstrate a novel, non-destructive method for large-scale evaluation of water ingress in PV modules.  The work will help to reduce the uncertainty surrounding the reliability and longevity of PV modules.