Title :
Optical changes in cerium-containing glass as a result of accelerated exposure testing [of PV modules]
Author :
King, D.E. ; Pern, F.J. ; Pitts, J.R. ; Bingham, C.E. ; Czanderna, A.W.
Author_Institution :
Center for Performance, Eng. & Reliability, Nat. Renewable Energy Lab., Golden, CO, USA
fDate :
29 Sep-3 Oct 1997
Abstract :
The purpose of this paper is to report changes in the optical transmission spectrum (solarization) of commercial low-iron cerium containing glass (CG). UV absorption by CG has been shown to reduce yellowing rates of EVA polymeric pottants in PV modules resulting from UV radiation. Absorption and fluorescence spectra of CG change with exposure to UV light in the glass matrix. Solarization of CG could cause changes in the glass transmission that may result in changes in the UV protection and the efficiency of the module. The authors are studying the solarization of glasses in a variety of accelerated light exposure chambers at intensities ranging from 1 to more than 1000 Suns. Measurements made at various stages of the accelerated exposure tests are presented
Keywords :
cerium compounds; encapsulation; life testing; light transmission; optical glass; polymer blends; semiconductor device testing; solar cell arrays; EVA polymeric pottants; PV modules; UV absorption; absorption spectra; accelerated exposure tests; accelerated light exposure; fluorescence spectra; optical transmission spectrum; solarization; yellowing rates; Acceleration; Cerium; Character generation; Electromagnetic wave absorption; Fluorescence; Glass; Life estimation; Optical polymers; Protection; Sun;
Conference_Titel :
Photovoltaic Specialists Conference, 1997., Conference Record of the Twenty-Sixth IEEE
Conference_Location :
Anaheim, CA
Print_ISBN :
0-7803-3767-0
DOI :
10.1109/PVSC.1997.654284
