Solar panel modules must fulfill certain standards to be approved for operation. This involves exposing them to high temperatures and high mechanical loading. However, the results only predict something about the robustness of a brand-new sample with respect to extreme, short-term loading. In contrast, age-related effects that only appear over the course of time, such as material fatigue, are pertinent for the actual operating life.
Using a dual approach, actual measurements are combined with a numeric simulation. To be able to grasp the effect of these influences on the material, the researchers equipped a complete solar module with sensors that use changes in resistance to measure strains and elongations of the construction components. It was determined from the data evaluation that even light wind suffices to cause oscillations in the module. A detailed 3D simulation of the solar module has been worked out. Based on the measurements from the field tests, numerical calculations can be used to derive long-term effects of the environmental influences on the module components and what kind of mechanical stresses develop.
Using their calculations, the researchers are able not only to make predictions about the expected operating life, but also to depict potential improvements with regard to geometry and material, as well as to predict the effects of various materials on the mechanical stresses in the module.
