Question re: Module Degradation from Combustion Exhaust [RE-wrenches]

[Bill Brooks]

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Joel,

The dirt mixture on the module surface caused a 35% loss in power. To say
whether this is a long-term problem or not is hard to say. What you can say
with assurance is that it makes sense to clean those arrays on a regular
basis.

Bill.

-----Original Message-----
From: Joel Davidson [mailto:joeldavidson at earthlink.net] 
Sent: Tuesday, May 03, 2005 2:35 PM
To: RE-wrenches at topica.com
Subject: RE: Question re: Module Degradation from Combustion Exhaust
[RE-wrenches]


Hello Allan and Bill,
The humidity-temperature test is 200 hours in an environmental test chamber.
This very severe test is required for both UL listing and IEC European
certification. There are roof-mounted solar arrays at the Long Beach,
California waste-to-energy power plant getting a real-world test. The
incredible volume of particulates emitted from the power plant mixed with
coastal atmospheric moisture result in a caustic coating on the arrays. No
internal degradation, but the worse power loss from dirt I have ever seen.
(Bill, what did you see the last time you were there?) By the way, there's a
medical research study that says automobile and industrial air pollution in
souther California is bad for childern. See
http://www.usc.edu/hsc/info/pr/1vol8/803/air.html
Joel Davidson

-----Original Message-----
From: Bill Brooks <bill at brooksolar.com>
Sent: May 3, 2005 10:47 AM
To: RE-wrenches at topica.com
Subject: RE: Question re: Module Degradation from Combustion Exhaust
[RE-wrenches]

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Allan,

It's called a damp-heat test. The test is to put a PV module in 85C at 85%
humidity for a prolonged period (I forgot how many hours). This tests
several potential failure mechanisms in PV modules and is used as part of
the IEC61215 standard that all modules must pass to be sold in Europe.
Damp-heat does not guaranty that a module will degrade quicker, but it
certainly is not the environment it likes. The Jet Propulsion Lab tests of
the late 70's are probably the only true documentation on the subject.
Bottom line is that it may reduce life, but what are the options for this
specific situation?

Bill.

-----Orig

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