The subordinate Institute for Mechanics of Materials of German Fraunhof Association published communique, saying that snow load, temperature changes and wind load will cause mechanical pressure to the solar cell module, making the material contract and stretch, which will lead to material fatigue of solar modules over time. Among the materials of the solar cell module, the plastic back and the battery connector strip made of fine wire are especially vulnerable, which will break at some point like continuously bending a paper clip back and forth.
In order to clarify the influence of environmental factors on the battery module materials, the researchers measured the cell module effects by mechanical loading. They mounted the sensor on a complete solar cell module, and then measured the expansion and contraction degree of materials according to resistance changes of the modular solar panel system, thereby calculating the mechanical stress the cell module material withstand.
Researchers found by data evaluation that even a light breeze is enough to make the cell module oscillate, and the higher the ambient temperature, the more obvious this oscillation. In addition, ultraviolet radiation impact on materials fatigue is beyond the expected. Ultraviolet light causes synthetic material harder and more brittle, and the oscillation frequency will be increased over time.
Based on field measurements, the researchers set up a 3D simulation system. This digital simulation and analog system can infer the long-term impact of environmental factors on the cell module, and will produce what kind of mechanical pressure, so as to predict the life of the cell module. The researchers said that this combination of measurements and simulation methods can not only predict the service life of solar modules, but also can be used to improve the shape and material of cell modules.
Sunny International Power Corp. was founded in 2006, which is a high-tech photovoltaic company. We specialize in the solar module, PV system project research, produce, sales and after sales service. Products get VDE, SGS, CE, CSA, and MCS international certificates.