Gabriele Eder

OFI Österreichisches Forschungsinstitut für Chemie und Technik / Austrian research institute for chemistry and technology

With the increased development of portable and handheld molecular spectrometers within recent years, new fields of applications have opened up, such as their use (i) for material identification of samples contained in large and non-portable components and (ii) the detection of material degradation effects and failures directly in the plant. The usa...

The paper provides a comprehensive overview of possible strategies for the repair of cracked polyamide‐based backsheets. A repair process has been developed that comprises the following steps: (i) cleaning, (ii) pretreatment, and (iii) repair process (crack filling and sealing). The important topic of long‐term reliability is still under investigat...

The presented work focuses on the influence of different stress combinations (in climate-specific ageing tests) on polymer material degradation and electrical power loss of PV modules and how these data can be linked using advanced statistical methods. The statistical analysis is divided into three parts: in the first part, the direct effects of th...

Moisture ingress in photovoltaic (PV) modules is a critical factor for performance degradation, therefore, a low water vapor transmission rate (WVTR) is highly desirable for polymers used to embed the solar cells, including backsheets, frontsheets, and encapsulants. With the advent of glass‐free modules for integration in building envelopes and veh...

Because building-integrated photovoltaic (BIPV) modules are fully integrated into a building envelope, the back of the module can be exposed to little or no ventilation, resulting in increased operating temperatures. As the temperature increases, the performance of the modules decreases, and the durability of the module and its polymeric components...

Photovoltaic (PV) industry is facing challenges in end‐of‐life (EoL) management, as cumulative PV waste is expected to increase exponentially over the next two decades. The increase in revamping and repowering activities, especially of older PV fleets, underscores the need to refine EoL strategies and increase the reuse readiness of PV modules and...

Microplastics have gained importance as pervasive environmental particulate pollutants. Their analysis demands precise quantification methods, with interlaboratory comparisons (ILCs) being crucial for performance assessment. Typically, ILCs follow a parallel design: participants each analyze their own sample specimen, often with significant variabi...

In this work, novel PET‐based frontsheet materials with UV‐cured coatings were developed and investigated. UV‐curing urethane acrylates were selected as innovative, fluorine‐free coating systems. Polyurethane coatings exhibit excellent UV resistance, chemical and moisture resistance and, thus, high durability in outdoor applications. A homogeneous...

The increasing volume of end‐of‐life (EoL) photovoltaic (PV) modules poses a significant challenge, necessitating efficient and sustainable recycling processes. In the PVReValue project, it is aimed to develop a comprehensive methodology for the systematic separation and recycling of EoL PV modules. Central to this effort is the precise determinati...

he demand for building-integrated photovoltaics is constantly increasing, which is reflected in an increasing number of innovative BIPV products on the market and attractively implemented BIPV installations. To support architects, system developers, and other stakeholders involved in the planning of new BIPV projects, the experts of IEA-PVPS Task 1...

In this paper we discuss evaluation results of light-weight PV laminates using sandwich panels based on honeycomb cores and different types of (fibre-reinforced) thermoplastics as sandwich skins. First, we discuss the fabrication and resulting performance of the PV modules, and then the results of reliability testing that has been carried out (ther...

Since BIPV systems consist of multifunctional components that provide both power generation and building functions, a multidimensional approach to assessment and comparison is required. IEA PVPS Task 15 has developed a multi-dimensional evaluation methodology for BIPV installations. With this tool, the multi-functional performance (energy-relevant...

Although there are currently still small amounts of end-of-life (EoL) PV modules, a strong increase is to be expected in the next few years, for which it is important to be prepared accordingly. As part of the PVReValue research project, the scientific and technical basics for a comprehensive layer-by-layer separation and recycling process for EoL...

The integration of photovoltaic modules (PV) into existing infrastructure and/or buildings faces challenges, one of them is the weight of standard PV modules, that can reach up to 20 kg/m², with racking even 40 kg/m² . Lighter PV modules would enable installation and allow easier integration into areas where standard modules could not be placed for...

In Alpine countries such as Austria and Switzerland, PV systems are to be increasingly installed in mountain regions in the future. The main reasons for this are (i) the lack of open space in the valleys and plains and (ii) the expected higher (winter) energy production at higher altitudes. Due to higher irradiation and lower ambient temperatures,...

Co-extruded backsheets based on polypropylene (PP) are an interesting alternative to laminated backsheets based on polyester films (PET). Backsheet cracking has become a frequent aging induced failure mode in the last years, causing not only safety issues but also reducing the lifetime of PV modules on the long term. In this work the crack suscepti...

Although the technical and economic properties of the standard polymer photovol-taic (PV) materials (ethylene-vinyl acetate (EVA) encapsulant and fluorine-containing polyethylene terephthalate (PET) backsheet) meet the basic technical requirements, more sustainable polyolefin-based encapsulants and backsheets have been developed. These new polyolef...

Reliability and durability of photovoltaic modules are a key factor for the development of emerging PV markets worldwide. Reliability is directly dependent on the chemical and physical stability of the polymeric encapsulation materials. One method capable of detecting ageing effects of the polymeric encapsulant directly on-site is UltraViolet Fluor...

Monitoring of electrical performance and material stability of PV modules with repaired/coated backsheets For a successful repair of modules with deeply cracked backsheets, complete sealing of the deep cracks and the entire weathered and often microcracked backsheet surface is necessary • to stop further material degradation of the backsheet • reg...

Minimizing crack propagation in cracked PV backsheets through repair coatings As part of the PV Re² project, a preventive maintenance coating process was developed - to stop the propagation of formed microcracks in weathered backsheets and - to avoid the formation of deep BS cracks (which would cause insulation problems and inverter shut down) for...

While the technical and economic properties of standard polymer PV materials are satisfactory, there is still a need to develop more sustainable polyolefin-based encapsulants and backsheets. These new polyolefin materials have to prove themselves in relation to (i) the electrical performance of the modules and (ii) the reliability compared to the e...

In the last decade and longer, photovoltaic module manufacturers have experienced a rapidly growing market along with a dramatic decrease in module prices. Such cost pressures have resulted in a drive to develop and implement new module designs, which either increase performance and/or lifetime of the modules or decrease the cost to produce them. I...

The glossy appearance of the cover glass of a photovoltaic module is mainly responsible for giving the module a mirroring effect, which is often disturbing in the case of building integrated photovoltaic (BIPV) façade applications. In this work, an innovative approach is presented to reduce the glare of BIPV modules by applying surface coatings to...

PV modules with a degrading backsheet pose a challenge for solar park operators and other players in the PV value chain. Some types of backsheets are known to develop cracks because of an aging-induced change in the mechanical characteristics of the material during operation in the field, which result in a loss of insulation resistance. In this wor...

Polymeric photovoltaic (PV) backsheets are designed to protect the active components of the module (solar cells, electrical connectors) from environmental stress and act as an electrical insulator according to the required safety specifications (IEC 61730-1). Several variations of backsheet compositions are available on the market, mainly laminated...

The international standard IEC 61853-1 contains two procedures for the evaluation of PV module output (Pmp) over a range of irradiances (GPOA) and module temperatures (Tmod): a procedure for indoor labs and a procedure for outdoor measurements (we neglect the option of using a tracker, which is quite challenging for BIPV-systems). The data from the...

Cracked backsheets have become an increasing problem for the reliability of photovoltaic modules. These defects can cause insulation faults and accelerate degradation, therefore leading to a significant shortening of the module lifetime. Repair solutions based on coatings have been developed to counteract this problem and ensure that modules reach...

The transfer of photovoltaics (PV) into buildings is a tangible “cause” of innovation. Today, it is much more than an energy-converting solution: it represents a new fundamental aspect in architectural aesthetics and technology [1]. For decades, many classification schemes have been conceived and are intended to be as practical as possible, summari...

To give plant operators or asset managers confidence that PV power plants perform at current standards and provide the promised yield, on-site inspection methods with portable test equipment (mobile PV test centres) are commonly used. There are various fields of application for mobile PV test centres at different project phases.

Due to the general price pressure PV modules experienced in the last decade, a variety of alternative polymer materials and new backsheet designs were developed and introduced into the market, amongst others also extruded backsheets based on polypropylene (PP). The production of co-extruded films represents a backward integration of backsheet manuf...

The photovoltaic (PV) energy rating is related to the energy yield performance of a PV module. Unlike the power rating, which is only related to the performance at a single operating point at 25°C, 1000 W/m , and AM1.5 spectrum (Standard Test Conditions, STC), the energy rating considers several characteristics of the PV module that affect the amou...

The glossy appearance of the cover glass of a photovoltaic module is mainly responsible for giving to the module a mirroring effect which is particularly annoying in the case of Building Integrated Photovoltaic (BIPV) façade applications. In this work an innovative approach based on four different glass coating technologies applied on the outer sid...

A round-robin test on a BIPV-module has been performed within the framework of the IEA PVPS Task15. Identical modules from the same series have been measured indoors under STC-conditions to be equal in rated power within a largest difference between lowest and highest performing module of 0.3%. Nine sites spread over the world-with a clear focus on...

Polymeric photovoltaic (PV) backsheets are designed to protect the active components of the module (solar cell, electrical connectors) from environmental stress and act as electrical insulator. Several composite constructions for backsheets are in the market, laminated multi-layer stacks and co-extruded foils. When looking at the reliability of gla...

In 1988, a research PV power plant with a total output of 30 kW was built in the Austrian Alps (1600 m above sea level). Three types of PV modules, which differ in design and bill of materials (BOM), were installed over 30 years ago and have been in operation since-they are still active and generate electricity. Reliability data of more than three...

Various types of next-generation encapsulation films based on polyolefins have recently been introduced and could attract market attention. These material innovations can be classified as polyolefin elastomer (POE) and thermoplastic polyolefin (TPO) encapsulants, both of which consist of a polyethylene backbone with different side groups. The main...

Since 2010, the ultraviolet fluorescence (UVF) method is used to identify defects in wafer-based crystalline silicon photovoltaic (PV) modules. We summarize all known applications of fluorescence imaging methods on PV modules to identify defects and characteristics. The aim of this review is to present the basic principles for the interpretation of...

The weathering stability of polymeric backsheets is very important for the reliability of photovoltaic (PV) modules. In addition to reliability, cost reduction and sustainability are upcoming challenges the PV backsheet industry is facing with. The most commonly used material for PV backsheets is poly(ethylene‐terephthalate)‐PET. However, PET is in...

One key challenge for an efficient and fast product development of new PV modules/materials optimized for the use in specific climatic regions is the availability of suitable accelerated aging test procedures. A test program of 10 climate specific test procedures based on time-dependent repeated application of combined climatic and environmental st...

Within the last years, an increased occurrence of backsheet cracking, especially of Polyamide-based backsheets, was observed in PV installations and reported in literature. Thus, a detailed failure analysis on cracked polymeric backsheets was performed in order to identify the drivers leading to the unexpected behaviour of the Polyamide multilayer...

Within the IEA PVPS Task 15 a round robin action focusing on the performance of vertical BIPV elements (façade) in different climatic environments was performed. The performance of identical (both, in construction and bill of materials (BOM)) glass/glass c-Si BIPV elements was monitored at 7 outdoor test sites in 6 different countries in Europe and...

As photovoltaics shows a large growth potential in climatic-sensible regions, specific artificial ageing test procedures are required for an efficient and reliable development of new PV module designs, components and materials optimized for the use in these future markets. A program was worked out with 10 specific stress combinations for accelerate...

Looking at the distribution of reported PV-module defects, backsheet failures such as discolourations, delamination and cracking is one of the most common error groups. Especially within the last years, an enhanced occurrence of Polyamide backsheet cracking was observed in PV installations and reported. Thus, a detailed failure analysis on cracked...

The research project INFINITY focuses on design improvements for PV system components operating in different climatic regions. This topic gained pertinence in recent years due to increased installation rates worldwide with the highest growth rates in non-moderate climates. As PV components are not optimized to the respective climate zone, the targe...

During their outdoor service, photovoltaic (PV) modules are exposed to different set of external stresses that can affect their efficiency and lifetime such as UV irradiation, temperature and humidity cycles, rain, snow and wind loads, hail, sand and/or salt. Moreover, internal stresses such as choice of materials and design (additives, morphology...

In the building sector, net-zero energy performance targets and reduction of CO2 emissions are the main drivers for building integrated photovoltaics. Recent market studies [10,18,19] show the history and perspective of the global market in the BIPV sector and calculate a global compound annual growth rate of ~ 40 % from 2009 up to 2020. In Europe,...

In the building sector, net-zero energy performance targets and reduction of CO2 emissions are the main drivers for building integrated photovoltaics. Recent market studies [10,18,19] show the history and perspective of the global market in the BIPV sector and calculate a global compound annual growth rate of ~ 40 % from 2009 up to 2020. In Europe...

During their outdoor service, photovoltaic (PV) modules are exposed to different set of external stresses that can affect their efficiency and lifetime such as UV irradiation, temperature and humidity cycles, rain, snow and wind loads, hail, sand and/or salt. Moreover, internal stresses such as choice of materials and design (additives, morphology...

As the PV market shows enormous potential with huge growth rates especially in climatic-sensible regions, specific artificial ageing test procedures are a key point for an efficient and fast product development of new PV modules/materials optimized for the use in specific climatic regions. Based on the definition of 4 climate profiles (dry and hot...

Over the last years, the development of innovative, fast and non-destructive characterisation techniques for the detection of PV-module failures and advanced analysis of yield losses in photovoltaic power plants has become a key challenge in scientific research. Besides standard on-site thermographic screening, several novel and easily applied meth...

The PV market experienced drastic changes in the last decade, marked by a huge price drop for PV-elements and the ongoing competition between different technological solutions and manufacturing locations. Nevertheless, the market shows enormous potential with huge growth rates, not only but also in climatic-sensible regions with high solar irradiat...

Several series of six-cell photovoltaic test-modules-intact and with deliberately generated failures (micro-cracks, cell cracks, glass breakage and connection defects)-were artificially and naturally aged. They were exposed to various stress conditions (temperature, humidity and irradiation) in different climate chambers in order to identify (i) th...

ABSTRACT Photovoltaic modules can experience damages of varying severity in the case of heavy hail storms. In the worst case, complete glass and solar cell breakage results in efficiency and security losses of the affected modules which therefore have to be replaced. However, there is a strong need to inspect the remaining modules directly in the f...

Individual colour design of BIPV elements was realized by printing on the front glass of the modules. The advantage of flexibility in the aesthetical appearance was evaluated versus the loss in electrical performance of printed BIPV elements. For two series of test modules simulations and experimental evaluation of different print approaches were p...

Aim and approach used: For Central Europe and Austria in particular - a mountainous country, where free landscape areas are mainly used for agriculture - experts see the potential installation areas for photovoltaic systems predominantly at the building. The main objective of the research project is to combine photovoltaic active devices with façad...

UV-Fluorescence imaging and spectroscopy are valuable non-destructive characterization tools for failure analysis and maintenance of PV-modules. The observed fluorescence of the encapsulation above the cells with respect to (i) spatial distribution, (ii) intensity and (iii) downfield shift of the fluorescent light is dependent on the operation time...

Acetic acid, which is formed during degradation of the most frequently used photovoltaic (PV) encapsulant ethylene vinyl acetate (EVA), is linked to several PV module failure mechanisms like corrosion of interconnectors, cells or potential induced degradation (PID). An evaluation of a new measurement technique and data analysis for acetic acid perm...

When dealing with building integrated photovoltaics aesthetical aspects have to be considered. In particular for façade integrated modules with crystalline Silicon (c-Si) solar cells alternative colors are demanded. In this paper an approach for tuning the color of standard c-Si solar cells is presented relying on plasmonic coloring. Metallic (Ag)...

Ethylene vinyl acetate (EVA) is the dominating material for the encapsulation of solar cells. A better understanding of the cross-linking reaction progress during PV module lamination could lead to promising approaches for shortening of PV module lamination times but also for optimization of the EVA formulation. Therefore, the main aim of this stud...

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Fluorescence Spectroscopy and Imaging on aged polymeric PV Encapsulantes Gabriele C.Eder1, Yuliya Voronko1, Bernhard Kubitschek2 und Karl Knöbl3 1 OFI, Austrian Research Institute for Chemistry and Technology, Vienna, Austria 2 AIT, Austrian Institute of Technology GmbH, Energy Department, Vienna, Austria 3 FH Technikum Wien, University of Applied...

In photovoltaics, the quality of the polymeric solar cell embedding material is of key importance for the long-term durability and performance of the PV modules. For the most common encapsulant, elasto¬meric ethylene vinyl acetate (EVA), the degree of crosslinking is a key issue in this respect. Raman spectroscopy was researched as a fully contact-...

Summary The main aim of the paper is to evaluate and improve the measurement technique as well as the data analysis for acetic acid permeation through backsheet films. Furthermore, the influence of layer composition on the acetic acid permeation rates of backsheets is investigated. Acetic acid, which is formed during degradation of ethylene vinyl a...

TOPIC 5: Operations, Performance and Reliability of Photovoltaics (from Cells to Systems); 5.3 PV Modules or 5.1 Operation of PV Systems and Plants INNOVATIVE APPROACH FOR THE FAILURE ANALYSIS OF DAMAGED PV-MODULES: NON-DESTRUCTIVE MODULE CHARACTERISATION COMBINED WITH IN DEPTH MATERIAL ANALYSIS Gabriele C. Eder1*, Ricardo Vizcaya1, Yuliya Voronk...

TOPIC 5: OPERATIONS, PERFORMANCE AND RELIABILITY OF PHOTOVOLTAICS; 5.3 PV MODULES PERMEATION OF WATER VAPOUR, OXYGEN AND ACETIC ACID THROUGH PV-BACKSHEETS: CORRELATION WITH MATERIAL PROPERTIES AND AGEING INDUCED CHANGES Gabriele C. Eder1*, Yuliya Voronko1,3, Marlene Knausz2, Gernot Oreski2, Thomas Koch3, and Karl A. Berger4 1 OFI, Austrian Rese...

Since the beginning of PV module production, Soxhlet extraction has been the standard method for the determination of the gel content and the resulting calculation of the degree of crosslinking of the most common PV encapsulant ethylene vinyl acetate (EVA). While the method is deemed well established and several pertinent ASTM and ISO standards exi...