Developing accelerated life test for backsheet used in PV module and correlation study between field and accelerated conditions

Packaging materials are critical not only to maintain the performance of photovoltaic module in harsh environment but also to ensure the long-term stability of photovoltaic module. Among packaging materials, backsheet protects module from ultraviolet, dust, moisture, and other gases. Hence, to guarantee the lifetime of modules, backsheet should not fail for the same period of time. This paper presents results on the development of accelerated life test method and correlation study between actual use and accelerated field conditions. The main purpose of this study is to develop the method which can guarantee 25 year lifetime of backsheet.