Reliability Of Photovoltaic Modules

As part of the U. S. National Photovoltaic Program, the Jet Propulsion Laboratory's (JPL's) Flat-Plate Solar Array (FSA) Project has conducted a comprehensive 10-year research activity addressed to understanding the reliability attributes of terrestrial flat-plate photovoltaic modules, and to developing the technology required to achieve 30-year life (1). This paper provides an overview of the reliability issues and progress, and highlights the design, analysis, and test tools generated to achieve the high levels of reliability necessary for future large-scale terrestrial applications. Much of the technology is also directly applicable to the large space arrays currently under consideration for use in extraterrestrial applications.