Monitoring the Operating Temperatures of Modules in Open-Rack and Typical BIPV Configurations

Elevated operating temperatures are expected in BIPV systems due to restricted or reduced rear-side ventilation, which impacts their performance and reliability. This work reports operating temperatures and diurnal (day-night) temperature variations of the modules in open-rack and BIPV mounting configurations (BIPV-ventilated and BIPV-insulated) monitored over a period of 2-5 years in southern Switzerland. The modules in BIPV configurations operated at 20-30 degrees C higher temperatures than the same modules in open-rack. The suitability of the indoor qualification and safety tests in IEC 61215 and IEC 61730 were evaluated according to the 98th percentile real-life operating module temperature as defined in IEC TS 63126 guideline for qualifying PV modules operating at elevated temperatures. The study shows that according to IEC TS 63126, BIPV modules on a tilted surface in southern Switzerland could need to be tested at harsher conditions (e.g. higher temperatures) in a selection of indoor qualification and safety tests.