Photovoltaic (PV) solar energy is expected to be the world's largest source of electricity in the future. To enhance the long-term reliability of PV modules, a thorough understanding of failure mechanisms is of vital importance. In addition, it is important to address the potential downsides to this technology. These include the hazardous chemicals needed for manufacturing solar cells, especially for thin-film technologies, and the large number of PV modules disposed of at the end of their lifecycles. This book discusses the reliability and environmental aspects of PV modules.

Durability and Reliability of Polymers and Other Materials in Photovoltaic Modules describes the durability and reliability behavior of polymers used in Si-photovoltaic modules and systems, particularly in terms of physical aging and degradation process/mechanisms, characterization methods, accelerated exposure chamber and testing, module level testing, and service life prediction. The book compares polymeric materials to traditional materials used in solar applications, explaining the degradation pathways of the different elements of a photovoltaic module, including encapsulant, front sheet, back sheet, wires and connectors, adhesives, sealants, and more. In addition, users will find sections on the tests needed for the evaluation of polymer degradation and aging, as well as accelerated tests to aid in materials selection. As demand for photovoltaics continues to grow globally, with polymer photovoltaics offering significantly lower production costs compared to earlier approaches, this book will serve as a welcome resource on new avenues.

Photovoltaic Modules: Technology and Reliability provides unique insights into concepts, material design strategies, manufacturing techniques, quality and service life analysis of wafer-based photovoltaic modules. Taking an interdisciplinary approach, the authors focus on two main topics. Part I – Crystalline Silicone Module Technology offers photovoltaics fundamentals: solar cell properties, module design, materials and production, basic module characterization, module power as well as efficiency and module performance. Part II, on the other hand, illustrates the state-of-the-art of module reliability by characterization of modules and degradation effects, examination of PV-Module loads, accelerated aging tests as well as reliability testing of materials and modules. A separate chapter is dedicated to PV module and component certification.

This book presents a very useful and valuable collection of chapters associated with recent developments in energy, environment, and nanotechnology including nanofluids dynamics. The book provides insights related to various forms of nanotechnological applications in green buildings, environmental and electrochemical systems, solar distillation systems, green energy, storage tank of the solar water heating systems, solar concentrator system's receiver, solar adsorption refrigeration system, and CFD simulations of various aspects of nanofluids/hybrid nanofluids, which are particularly useful, valuable for the betterment of society, culture, and ultimately mankind.

Photovoltaic modules have developed into mass products sold in billions and applied all over the world enabling a renewable energy supply. Reliability and sustainability are key factors for the success of Photovoltaics in all climate zones. The second edition of this interdisciplinary book provides insight into relevant environmental aspects (climates), material and module testing equipment and approaches, service life prediction modelling and standardisation of wafer-based photovoltaic modules. The book also addresses recent research and developments on the sustainability assessment of photovoltaic modules including end of life measures and legislation.

Solar PV is now the third most important renewable energy source, after hydro and wind power, in terms of global installed capacity. Bringing together the expertise of international PV specialists Photovoltaic Solar Energy: From Fundamentals to Applications provides a comprehensive and up-to-date account of existing PV technologies in conjunction with an assessment of technological developments. Key features: Written by leading specialists active in concurrent developments in material sciences, solar cell research and application-driven R&D. Provides a basic knowledge base in light, photons and solar irradiance and basic functional principles of PV. Covers characterization techniques, economics and applications of PV such as silicon, thin-film and hybrid solar cells. Presents a compendium of PV technologies including: crystalline silicon technologies; chalcogenide thin film solar cells; thin-film silicon based PV technologies; organic PV and III-Vs; PV concentrator technologies; space technologies and economics, life-cycle and user aspects of PV technologies. Each chapter presents basic principles and formulas as well as major technological developments in a contemporary context with a look at future developments in this rapidly changing field of science and engineering. Ideal for industrial engineers and scientists beginning careers in PV as well as graduate students undertaking PV research and high-level undergraduate students.

This study presents options to fully unlock the world’s vast solar PV potential over the period until 2050. It builds on IRENA’s global roadmap to scale up renewables and meet climate goals.