Solar Photovoltaics

Early-generation solar photovoltaic (PV) panels are starting to reach the end of their functional lives, but their end-of-life management is still evolving. NIST is working to advance measurement science and standards to improve the reliability and management of solar panels throughout their lifecycle. Extending solar panel life and recycling can both reduce demand for critical materials (CMs) and increase the secondary supply of those materials. 

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Research Activities

Impact of Backsheet Repair on Photovoltaic Module Reliability 

Cost-effective methods using polymeric materials (e.g., coatings, tapes) are increasingly utilized to repair cracked PV module backsheets; however, their long-term performance is unknown. This activity aims to assess the long-term impact of PV module repair by testing retrieved modules before and after repair. Multi-stress accelerated aging experiments are performed to evaluate the durability of repaired backsheets and materials. The results will be compared to field performance data and used to create an open-source dataset and recommended reliability test methods. Contact: Xiaohong Gu.

Photovoltaic Panel Degradation

PV modules are often decommissioned after failure, but degradation begins long before. This activity aims to develop a machine learning (ML) algorithm that predicts the functional lifetime of PV modules based on electroluminescence (EL) images and performance data. The model is trained and validated through images and current-voltage (IV) measurements collected from solar panels both in the lab and in the field. The goal is to provide accurate predictions of a module's remaining lifetime, enabling proactive maintenance and reducing the likelihood of unexpected failures. A comprehensive database of collected data will be developed to support the ML model and facilitate further research. Contact: Behrang Hamadani.

Life Cycle Engineering of Photovoltaic Panels 

The estimated operational lifespan of a PV module is about 30 years, and thus, the first generation of PVs is beginning to reach the end of their useful life. This research activity provides insight into the composition of the waste streams that will result. It identifies the types, quantities, and timing of materials that will become available, along with the economic and technical factors influencing recovery viability. Insights from this project can inform the development of infrastructure to maximize PV value across its entire life cycle by implementing recovery, especially for high-value and/or critical materials. This project applies principles of life cycle engineering to explore current PV market dynamics, gain insights into future trends considering evolving PV technologies and module designs, and address the current standards-related gaps that currently hinder maximizing PV value. Contact: Nehika Mathur.

Documentary Standards Engagements

Visit our Standards Resources page to see which solar circularity-related documentary standards committees NIST is currently engaged in.

Related NIST Workshops

Visit the Workshops page to learn about NIST workshops relevant to electronics and solar circularity.

Reference Instruments

NIST has developed a calibration service that offers accurate and reliable PV standard reference instruments (SRIs). These SRIs are a critical component of any traceable PV electrical performance measurement program and allow our customers to accurately determine the electrical power output of the module under the standard reporting conditions, i.e., the standards sun and to monitor the panel degradation over time. 

Tools & Capabilities

NIST experimental capabilities and tools relevant to metals circularity are described on the Tools & Capabilities page.