This part of IEC 62804 defines procedures to evaluate the durability of crystalline silicon photovoltaic (PV) modules to the effects of short-term high-voltage stress, primarily potential-induced degradation (PID). Three test methods are given. The first type, which has two variations, is conducted in the dark and is primarily designed for assessing PID-shunting. The second type, which also has two variations, incorporates the factor of ultraviolet light and is intended for assessing PID-polarization. A separate test for the recovery of PID polarization under ultraviolet light is also included.
The testing in this document is designed for crystalline silicon PV modules with silicon cells having passivating dielectric layers, for degradation mechanisms involving mobile ions influencing the electric field over the silicon semiconductor or electronically interacting with the silicon semiconductor. This document is not intended for evaluating modules with thin-film technologies, tandem, or heterojunction devices but can be used for guidance.
The actual durability of modules to system voltage stress depends on the environmental conditions under which they are operated and the voltage potential in the module relative to earth (ground). These tests are intended to assess PV module sensitivity to PID irrespective of actual stresses under operation in different climates and systems.
