Text Size
SML

Print

PID Test (Chamber Method)

Test summary/features

PID (potential induced degradation) is a type of deterioration that occurs in solar power generation systems. It is caused by leak current created by a large potential difference generated between a PV module frame and module circuit. PID is considered to be a factor responsible for solar power generation system output drops, and to be promoted by humidity. Accurate PID evaluation requires leak current measurement after applying a high voltage in a high-temperature/humidity environment with high precision and reproducibility.

Test summary/features

Test equipment

The latest trend in PID evaluation testing is to focus on the effect that moisture has in promoting deterioration, so PID evaluation testing (chamber method) in a high-temperature/humidity environment is receiving widespread attention.

  • Mini-module size
    Three sample panels can be tested simultaneously.
    New design developed for high-insulation apparatus for PID testing.
  • Full module size
    Ten sample panels can be tested simultaneously.
  • Supports solar battery output measurement/EL measurement before and after PID testing.
Equipment particulars
  • PID Test System (installed at Kobe Test Center)
PID Test System
PID Test System
EL (electroluminescence) image
EL (electroluminescence) image
Item Test conditions (IEC 62804, 1st edition, issued August 6, 2015)
Chamber temperature 60°C±2°C or 85°C±2°C
Chamber humidity 85%±5%
Applied voltage condition -600DCV or -1000DCV
Leak current measurement range ±200nA to ±1mA
Number of basic channels 3ch
Solar battery panel evaluation testing

ESPEC carries out many types of outsourced evaluation testing of solar batteries exposed to demanding environments. Samples ranging from material components to finished modules are evaluated. We subject solar batteries to thermal cycling testing and temperature/humidity cycle testing in compliance with IEC standard compliance testing, and propose test equipment to meet client test needs.

  • Main test types for solar battery panels
  • Temperature/humidity cycle testing
  • Thermal (heat retention) testing
  • Humidity resistance testing
  • Humidity freeze testing
  • Temperature/humidity testing required by IEC and other standards
Related pages

Test Navi: Observations at a QA conference

Test Navi: A proposal: Mechanical pressure duty cycle test which can accelerate degradations around interfaces of photovoltaic module laminate materialse (PDF 263KB)

Test Navi: Simple methods of estimating power generation characteristic parameters as a solar cell module performance evaluation technique (PDF 140KB)