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DOE OSTI2025

PV Degradation Modeling: Applying Geospatial Workflows with "PVDeg"

Accurate degradation modeling is essential for predicting photovoltaic (PV) module performance, estimating longevity and informing design decisions. With degradation rates varying significantly by location, geospatial analysis is critical for PV and broader applications, such as agrivoltaics, weathering and environmental data analysis. This work presents PVDeg, an open-source tool designed for geospatial degradation analysis. PVDeg integrates meteorological data from global sources, including the National Solar Radiation Database (NSRDB) and Photovoltaic Geographical Information System (PVGIS), with degradation models. The toolkit enables users to customize geospatial workflows by integrating weather data, material parameters, and user-defined Python functions. It facilitates accelerated downloads of NSRDB and PVGIS datasets and optimizes geospatial point selection to preserve data density in regions of interest. Additionally, PVDeg provides a local database for storage and spatial queries, supporting large-scale analyses without the need for high-performance computing (HPC) resources. PVDeg provides a foundational workflow that extends its utility beyond PV applications, enabling researchers to analyze geospatial processes across discipline.

14 SOLAR ENERGY↗

DOE OSTI2026

Accelerated Selectrion of Optimal Perovskite Alloys for Solar PV using a Combined Quantum and Machine Learning Hierachiral Approach

The project aims to: (i) accelerate the discovery of “Missing HP alloys” by combining quantum mechanics and artificial intelligence machine learning approaches, and (ii) analyze the stabilities of candidate alloys, including those that do not pass selection filters (and are thus expected to degrade over time) to decipher the nature of the instabilities to guide the development of durable solar cell materials. Successful candidates will be subjected to validation experiments at NREL's state-of-the-art facilities. The discoveries this effort will provide will be directly testable and implementable and will greatly impact U.S. progress in HP PV as they will provide clear direction and motivation for experimental studies including specific material synthetic targets, device optimization, and device stability protocols. A key advantage of this effort is the feedback and guidance provided by the Industry Collaborative Work Group that we established to coordinate academic and national lab research with industry needs. The proposed work will provide a basis for and direct the development of robust and reliable HP PV. It will also provide a timely, valuable and extensive roadmap to the experimental HP PV community to enable it to focus its efforts on improving and fine-tuning promising HP compositions that this effort predicts will likely be the best performers rather than wandering in the vast chemical space for decades spending enormous resources mostly evaluating unpromising candidate materials.

14 SOLAR ENERGY↗

DOE OSTI2017

Fault detection in PV systems

A practical fault detection approach for PV systems intended for online implementation is developed. The fault detection model here is built using artificial neural network. initially the photovoltaic system is simulated using MATLAB software and output power is collected for various combinations of irradiance and temperature. Data is first collected for normal operating condition and then four types of faults are simulated and data are collected for faulty conditions. Four faults are considered here and they are: Line to Line faults with a small voltage difference, Line to line faults with a large voltage difference, degradation fault and open-circuit fault. This data is then used to train the neural network and to develop the fault detection model. The fault detection model takes irradiance, temperature and power as the input and accurately gives the type of fault in the PV system as the output. This system is a generalized one as any PV module datasheet can be used to simulate the Photovoltaic system and also this fault detection system can be implemented online with the use of data acquisition system.

14 SOLAR ENERGY↗

DOE OSTI2020

Analyzing Impact of Distributed PV Generation on Integrated Transmission & Distribution System Voltage Stability—A Graph Trace Analysis Based Approach

The use of a Graph Trace Analysis (GTA)-based power flow for analyzing the voltage stability of integrated Transmission and Distribution (T&D) networks is discussed in the context of distributed Photovoltaic (PV) generation. The voltage stability of lines and the load carrying capability of buses is analyzed at various PV penetration levels. It is shown that as the PV generation levels increase, an increase in the steady state voltage stability of the system is observed. Moreover, within certain regions of stability margin changes, changes in voltage stability margins of transmission lines are shown to be linearly related to changes in the loading of the lines. Two case studies are presented, where one case study involves a model with eight voltage levels and 784,000 nodes. In one case study, a voltage-stability heat map is used to demonstrate the identification of weak lines and buses.

14 SOLAR ENERGY↗

NASA NTRS1981

Continuing changes in the peculiar nebulous object PV Cephei

Changes in the nebular structure, optical spectrum and stellar brightness of the faint star PV Cephei and the nebulosity associated with it are discussed. Iris photometry of the starlike object at the tip of the fan-shaped nebula reveals irregular variability of approximately 4 magnitudes in the red. Stellar spectra in the region 4300-6750 A taken from December 1976 to April 1980 are similar to the richest emission line spectra of T Tauri stars, while nebular spectra indicate a lack of spherical symmetry. Observations obtained in the infrared reveal a source offset by a few arcsec from the apex of the fan, which is identified with the illuminating star. Radial velocities of CO emission indicate that PV Cep is at the same distance as NGC 7023, and independent estimates lead to an estimated value of 500 pc. Such a distance corresponds to a bolometric luminosity approximately 100 times that of the sun. It is suggested that PV Cep is a T Tauri star that has recently broken through its circumstellar cocoon at a time when highly erratic variability and a strong stellar wind characterize the star.

Cohen, M.↗

NASA NTRS1991

Design and optimization of a self-deploying PV tent array

A study was performed to design a self-deploying tent shaped PV (photovoltaic) array and optimize the design for maximum specific power. Each structural component of the design was analyzed to determine the size necessary to withstand the various forces it would be subjected to. Through this analysis the component weights were determined. An optimization was performed to determine the array dimensions and blanket geometry which produce the maximum specific power for a given PV blanket. This optimization was performed for both Lunar and Martian environmental conditions. The performance specifications for the array at both locations and with various PV blankets were determined.

Colozza, Anthony J.↗

NASA NTRS1995

PV Array Driven Adjustable Speed Drive for a Lunar Base Heat Pump

A study of various aspects of Adjustable Speed Drives (ASD) is presented. A summary of the relative merits of different ASD systems presently in vogue is discussed. The advantages of using microcomputer based ASDs is now widely understood and accepted. Of the three most popular drive systems, namely the Induction Motor Drive, Switched Reluctance Motor Drive and Brushless DC Motor Drive, any one may be chosen. The choice would depend on the nature of the application and its requirements. The suitability of the above mentioned drive systems for a photovoltaic array driven ASD for an aerospace application are discussed. The discussion is based on the experience of the authors, various researchers and industry. In chapter 2 a PV array power supply scheme has been proposed, this scheme will have an enhanced reliability in addition to the other known advantages of the case where a stand alone PV array is feeding the heat pump. In chapter 3 the results of computer simulation of PV array driven induction motor drive system have been included. A discussion on these preliminary simulation results have also been included in this chapter. Chapter 4 includes a brief discussion on various control techniques for three phase induction motors. A discussion on different power devices and their various performance characteristics is given in Chapter 5.

Domijan, Alexander, Jr.↗

DOE OSTI2012

Development of a Visual Inspection Checklist for Evaluation of Fielded PV Module Condition (Presentation)

A visual inspection checklist for the evaluation of fielded photovoltaic (PV) modules has been developed to facilitate collection of data describing the field performance of PV modules. The proposed inspection checklist consists of 14 sections, each documenting the appearance or properties of a part of the module. This tool has been evaluated through the inspection of over 60 PV modules producedby more than 20 manufacturers and fielded at two different sites for varying periods of time. Aggregated data from a single data collection tool such as this checklist has the potential to enable longitudinal studies of module condition over time, technology evolution, and field location for the enhancement of module reliability models.

14 SOLAR ENERGY↗

DOE OSTI2012

Efficient Power Converters for PV Arrays : Scalable Submodule Power Conversion for Utility-Scale Photovoltaics

Solar ADEPT Project: SolarBridge is developing a new power conversion technique to improve the energy output of PV power plants. This new technique is specifically aimed at large plants where many solar panels are connected together. SolarBridge is correcting for the inefficiencies that occur when two solar panels that encounter different amounts of sun are connected together. In most conventional PV system, the weakest panel limits the energy production of the entire system. That’s because all of the energy collected by the PV system feeds into a single collection point where a central inverter then converts it into useable energy for the grid. SolarBridge has found a more efficient and cost-effective way to convert solar energy, correcting these power differences before they reach the grid.

ARPA-E↗

DOE OSTI2013

Analysis of the Impacts of Distribution-Connected PV Using High-Speed Data Sets: Preprint

This paper, presented at the IEEE Green Technologies Conference 2013, utilizes information from high resolution data acquisition systems developed at the National Renewable Energy Laboratory and deployed on a high-penetration PV distribution system to analyze the variability of different electrical parameters. High-resolution solar irradiance data is also available in the same area which is used to characterize the available resource and how it affects the electrical characteristics of the study circuit. This paper takes a data-driven look at the variability caused by load and compares those results against times when significant PV production is present. Comparisons between the variability in system load and the variability of distributed PV generation are made.

14 SOLAR ENERGY↗

DOE OSTI2016

Present and Future Silver Cost Component in Crystalline Silicon PV Module Manufacturing

The purpose of this paper is to determine how increased c-Si PV module production might affect future silver demand and prices, as well as the impacts on total c-Si module manufacturing costs. To evaluate how PV's changing demand for silver might affect future silver prices, and the impact in terms of manufacturing costs, some scenarios of silver's contribution to c-Si PV cell manufacturing costs are compiled on the basis of projected changes in demand and price as a result of changes in material intensity. The analysis indicates that an expansion of c-Si production from 55GW/year to 250GW/year results in a 0.05-0.7 cent/W increase in manufacturing costs because of higher silver prices.

14 SOLAR ENERGY↗

DOE OSTI2016

Degradation in PV Encapsulation Strength of Attachment: An Interlaboratory Study Towards a Climate-Specific Test

Reduced strength of attachment of the encapsulant resulting from the outdoor environment, including ultraviolet (UV) radiation, may decrease photovoltaic (PV) module lifetime by enabling widespread corrosion of internal components. To date, few studies exist showing how the adhesion of PV components varies with environmental stress. We have conducted an interlaboratory experiment to provide an understanding that will be used to develop climatic specific module tests. Factors examined in the study included the UV light source (lamp type), temperature, and humidity to be proposed for use in accelerated aging tests. A poly (ethylene-co-vinyl acetate) (EVA) formulation often used in veteran PV installations was studied using a compressive shear test - to quantify the strength of attachment at the EVA/glass interface. Replicate laminated glass/polymer/glass coupon specimens were weathered at 12 institutions using a variety of indoor chambers or field aging. Shear strength, shear strain, and toughness were measured using a mechanical load-frame for the compressive shear test, with subsequent optical imaging and electron microscopy of the separated surfaces.

14 SOLAR ENERGY↗

DOE OSTI2018

A New Model to Determine Installed System Cost and LCOE for ARPA-E's MOSAIC Micro-Concentrator PV Program: Preprint

The US Department of Energy's Advanced Research Projects Agency-Energy (ARPA-E) started a three-year program in December 2015 called Microscale Optimized Solar-cell Arrays with Integrated Concentration (MOSAIC). It consists of 11 teams from across the United States. Its goal is to have project teams leverage expertise from conventional flat-plate photovoltaic (PV) system configuration and concentrated photovoltaic (CPV) module technology to produce a new class of modules for residential, commercial, and utility-scale markets. The intent is to increase performance and facilitate cost-effective deployment of solar power systems across a wide range of geographical locations in part by concentrating both direct and diffuse components of the sun's irradiance. This paper describes a collaboration of ARPA-E and the National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL) to develop a bottom-up system cost model for MOSAIC research teams. The model includes an estimate of regional, all-in, CPV installed cost, and levelized cost of energy (LCOE) by using customized inputs parameters, such as module efficiency, cost, and physical dimensions. This techno-economic cost model can help researchers analyze tradeoffs among different design parameters and then prioritize their distinct research opportunities. Moreover, it establishes a standardized cost benchmarking for MOSAIC micro-CPV systems and a normalized comparison against traditional CPV and today's highly competitive flat-plate PV systems. The model is a valuable design tool within the program, helping validate the various technical approaches and compare future deployed system competitiveness versus incumbent technologies in the PV industry.

14 SOLAR ENERGY↗

DOE OSTI2020

Albedo Data for Bifacial PV Systems Update

For use by the PV and financial communities to better estimate the performance and to reduce the risk of bifacial PV systems, data sets of ground albedo and associated meteorological data were developed by using existing measurement network data and data contributed by the PV industry. The data sets include time-series data as well as summary information of tabular monthly and yearly data and plots of monthly and hourly albedo values. Complete information is presented in a user’s guide and data are available for download from NREL’s DuraMAT website.

albedo↗

DOE OSTI2020

Evaluation of the PV Resource Dataset in Central and North America: Preprint

A recent effort from the National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL) has led to a new radiative transfer model, Fast All-sky Radiation Model for Solar applications with Narrowband Irradiances on Tilted surfaces (FARMS-NIT), to efficiently compute plane-of-array (POA) irradiance. This model has been implemented by the National Solar Radiation Data Base (NSRDB) to provide photovoltaic (PV) resource over Central and North America in both narrow- and broad wavelength bands. This study conducts a comprehensive evaluation of the PV resource dataset using surface-based observations in various climate zones. The results demonstrate the PV resource has an excellent agreement with the cloudy-sky observations from thermopiles and reference cells.

41 EE - Solar Energy Technologies Office (EE-4S)↗

DOE OSTI2020

Albedo Data Sets for Bifacial PV Systems: Preprint

41 EE - Solar Energy Technologies Office (EE-4S)↗

DOE OSTI2020

LID and LeTID Impacts to PV Module Performance and System Economics: Draft Analysis

This webinar is a technical review of the measurements and causes of BO LID, UV LID and LeTID, as well as modeling their impacts to PV project financial metrics. We will first review how Boron-Oxygen complexes form and detail the range of impacts to PV module power ratings over time and across climates. Similarly, we will also discuss the measurements and extent of UV LID over time and across climates. Then, we will demonstrate a methodology for translating these effects to pro forma cash flow models and their impacts to PV project financial returns and levelized cost of electricity (LCOE). We will conclude with estimates of the value of solutions to these degradation mechanisms.

41 EE - Solar Energy Technologies Office (EE-4S)↗

DOE OSTI2021

Heuristic Dispatch Based on Price Signals for Behind-the-Meter PV-Battery Systems in the System Advisor Model

The economic potential of a behind-the-meter (BTM) PV-battery system depends greatly on how the battery is dispatched. Different utility rates, system sizes, generation and load profiles can all require different dispatch strategies. This paper presents price signals dispatch, a new algorithm for automated economic dispatch of BTM PV-battery systems, which utilizes 24-hour PV and load forecasts, degradation data, and utility rates. The algorithm is integrated with the System Advisor Model (SAM) tool and is tested with a nonlinear generic electrochemical battery model. Price signals dispatch outperforms SAM’s existing algorithms in cases requiring a balance between demand charge management and energy arbitrage, and in cases where battery degradation imposes a significant cost.

41 EE - Solar Energy Technologies Office (EE-4S)↗