SOLAR-TRAIN – PV Module Life Time Forecast and Evaluation

Quality assurance in the PV industry is still in its early stages. In order to further reduce energy costs, both the scientific basis and qualified personnel are required. The industry urgently needs methods for accelerated and operating environment-specific lifetime and energy yield assessment, which are not yet available.

"SOLAR-TRAIN" qualifies selected young researchers in the field of PV service life analysis as part of a highly innovative, multidisciplinary project that also meets the requirements of the industry. The aim is to develop new, validated models for the service life and energy prediction of PV modules and systems. The elements of this puzzle are investigated through 14 Marie Sklodowska Curie fellowships, each with a different focus, such as:

• Climatic degradation factors
• System analysis
• Material (polymer) characteristics
• Service life and yield models
• Relationship between manufacturing conditions and performance/characteristics of the product
• Increased yield through improved operation and maintenance

The project includes both research and training aspects. This intersectoral approach offers an excellent theoretical and technical background as well as an in-depth knowledge of different sectors.  Furthermore, it supports the young researchers by mentoring them so that they can build up a sustainable professional network in Europe. In order to enable effective treatment of the topics and cross-sectoral training, project partners and supporting institutions and companies represent the whole range of the value chain from material developers / manufacturers to plant operators and insurance companies.

The project "SOLAR-TRAIN" is funded as Marie Sklodowska Curie Action (MSCA) by the Horizon 2020 Programme of the European Union and contributes to the goals of Issue paper No. 2 of the SET-Plan to maintain Europe's leading role in PV technology.