2011 · 16 citations · 1 references
ManagementManufacturing EngineeringQuality ManagementQuality AssuranceQuality EngineeringTotal Quality ManagementPerformance QualificationProcess Quality AssuranceQuality ObjectivesQuality StandardsModule DesignPhotovoltaic Manufacturing ProcessesPhotovoltaic Module DesignProduct Quality MonitoringProduct Quality StandardsQuality AssessmentSolar Photovoltaic Power QualitySolar Power Quality
PV customers require confidence in modules, yet no test reliably quantifies lifetime, so stress tests are used to compare designs. The authors propose that industry should adopt a unified set of tests, developed by the community, to enable customers to assess product confidence. They outline the need for QA standards, distinguishing design‑QA and manufacturing‑QA, and propose a pathway for establishing these standards.
Photovoltaic (PV) customers need to have confidence in the PV modules they purchase. Currently, no test can quantify a module's lifetime with confidence, but stress tests are routinely used to differentiate PV product designs. We suggest that the industry would be strengthened by using the wisdom of the community to develop a single set of tests that will help customers quantify confidence in PV products. This paper evaluates the need for quality assurance (QA) standards and suggests a path for creating these. Two types of standards are needed: 1) QA of the module design and 2) QA of the manufacturing process.
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Using accelerated testing to predict module reliability
J. Wohlgemuth, Sarah Kurtz · 2011 · 48 citations · Full text