Accelerated and outdoor aging effects oh photovoltaic module interfacial adhesion properties

We have developed an apparatus that allows the measurement of applied torque as a function of angle of twist during shear removal of cored specimens. This allows us to characterize the strength and durability of various interfaces within many types of photovoltaic (PV) modules. We have used this device to evaluate several parameters in terms of their ability to quantify degradation of interfacial adhesion in weathered PV modules. The usefulness of shear modulus in this regard is marginal. However, peak torque, angle at peak torque, and toughness are very sensitive parameters. Published in 2008 by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.