Accelerated environmental testing of amorphous silicon PV modules

A roll-to-roll deposition technology for amorphous silicon-based alloys used in photovoltaic (PV) materials is discussed. There is a need to establish design test procedures for flexible panels. All the test procedures were used in the evolution of the product lines from design inception to mass production. During the design development stage, concepts of product design were formulated, materials chosen, and sample modules were produced. In this case, most of the construction materials had been evaluated and used prior to this work. The tests to be used for product evaluation were formulated at this time. Results were fed back to pertinent design parameters and new products were fabricated, then retested until all performance specifications were successfully met