Showing papers by "Southwest Wisconsin Technical College published in 1991"
01 Jan 1991
TL;DR: The Carrisa Plains photovoltaic power plant located in central California has shown steady degradation in electrical performance since 1986 as discussed by the authors, and the degradation is apparently due to so-called "brown cell", a misnomer because the brown color of the modules is in fact due to discoloration of the EVA encapsulant between the cover glass and the cells.
Abstract: The Carrisa Plains photovoltaic power plant located in central California has shown steady degradation in electrical performance since 1986. Originally rated at 5.2 MW ac, the plant routinely produced less than 3 MW as of 1990. Degradation is apparently due to so-called “brown cell,” a misnomer because the brown color of the modules is in fact due to discoloration of the EVA encapsulant between the cover glass and the cells, and not discoloration of the cells. This paper describes the plant’s design; performance since 1984; testing performed in 1990; physical and electrical characteristics of modules, panels, and trackers; and the 1991 status of the plant. The paper concludes with lessons applicable to future power plant designs.
9 citations