Performance of Solarex/Philadelphia Electric Co. amorphous silicon PV test site

An update on the performance characteristics and field observations of a 4 k WP a-Si array divided into two simulated residential installations operating through a 2 kW, self-commutated inverter and a 1.6 kW, line-commutated inverter is presented. The DC and AC parameters of the system as well as weather and solar irradiance data are summarized for a total of 18 months in the field. Preliminary observations on second generation a-Si modules used to expand the site for a second phase of activities that include two new inverters are discussed. The data show that the DC performance was dominated by light-induced degradation and several moisture-induced corrosion mechanisms. The AC performance mirrored the DC output with the exception of inverter failures and trippings.