In the field of solar technology, performance and durability testing of modules is a key step in ensuring product reliability and efficiency. In order to accurately evaluate the performance of solar modules in real environments, simulating actual sunlight and environmental conditions has become an essential testing process. The Millennial Steady State Solar Simulator uses a high-precision control system and advanced technology to accurately simulate sunlight exposure under various climate conditions, revealing various problems that modules may encounter in actual applications, such as hot spot effects and environmental factors. This article will take a deep look at the functions and applications of this device, and how to improve the reliability and performance of solar modules through scientific testing methods.

The importance of simulating actual sunlight and environmental conditions for testing and verifying the performance of solar modules

The importance of simulating actual sunlight and environmental conditions for testing and verifying the performance of solar modules is reflected in many aspects.

Under actual outdoor conditions, the output characteristics of PV modules depend on the surrounding environment, including factors such as temperature, dust and shade. These factors will affect the accuracy of the maximum power point and energy yield prediction of the PV module. Therefore, by simulating actual sunlight and environmental conditions, it is possible to more accurately predict and evaluate the performance of PV modules in the real world.

investigation of environmental factors affecting PVPS performance

For example, in the environmental impact test of the module, researchers conducted experiments on the impact of dust accumulation on the performance of the photovoltaic system. The results show that the dust accumulation rate depends mainly on the weather conditions of the site. For example, in Colorado, the dust deposition rate is 1–50 mg·m−2·day−1, while in Egypt it is 150–300 mg·m−2·day−1.

During the experiment, the surface density of the dust increased to 6.0986 g/m2, which resulted in a 21.47% reduction in power output.

Through experimental research, it has been proved that photovoltaic modules are greatly restricted by objective conditions such as environmental influences. Accumulation will reduce the amount of sunlight reaching the surface of the cell, thereby reducing the power generation efficiency. Therefore, considering these environmental factors in actual testing is crucial to predicting and verifying the performance of the module.

Module hot spot durability test

Module hot spot durability test is a key test used to evaluate the performance and durability of solar modules in the face of local high temperatures (hot spots). This test is very important in the solar industry because hot spot phenomenon may cause accelerated aging or even damage to solar cells, affecting the efficiency and life of the entire system.

Hot spot phenomenon: Hot spot phenomenon is a very common effect of photovoltaic modules in practical applications. It seriously affects the performance and life of solar cells and has certain dangers. The hot spot effect is mainly due to the fact that some cells in the photovoltaic module are blocked or there are cell defects, which causes the current of these cells to mismatch with the surrounding cells, resulting in local high temperature phenomenon. This local high temperature will not only lead to a decrease in the power generation efficiency of the module, but also may cause the module packaging materials to melt, deform or burn, and even cause irreversible damage such as fire, which seriously threatens the stability and safety of the photovoltaic power generation system.

Solar cells damaged by hot spot effect

The causes of the hot spot effect mainly include different types of hot spots such as significant temperature differences between batteries, battery string failure, glass and battery breakage, etc. In addition, the existence of reverse leakage current is also one of the important factors leading to hot spots, especially in shadow-shielding environments. The temperature of the shaded component area will increase as the reverse current of the solar cell increases. Even when there is no shadow at all, photovoltaic modules may form tiny gaps due to poor contact points such as virtual welding and empty welding during the module packaging process, causing arc effects, resulting in severe hot spot failure.

Steady State Solar Simulator is mainly used to simulate the ability of solar cells or components to withstand outdoor sunlight conditions, reveal the component hot spot durability test caused by defective cells, mismatched cells, incident light occlusion or pollution, and determine the component's ability to withstand The ability of hot spots to produce localized heating effects.

Steady State Solar Simulator

It is mainly used to simulate the ability of solar cells or modules after being exposed to outdoor sunlight conditions, revealing the comprehensive attenuation effects that cannot be measured in laboratory tests.

E-mail: market@millennialsolar.com

·Precise simulation and comprehensive testing

·Multifunctional and efficient evaluation of component long-term performance and stability

·Intelligent control ensures accuracy and consistency of the test process

Through highly accurate environmental simulation technology, Steady State Solar Simulator can not only reveal potential attenuation effects and hot spot problems, but also provide a scientific basis for the design optimization of solar panels, thereby improving product reliability and efficiency. In the context of the rapid development of solar technology and the growing market demand for high-performance products, it is crucial to ensure the performance stability of panels under various climatic conditions, and Mei Neng Photovoltaic has been working hard to promote continuous innovation and technological progress in the industry.