Advances in renewable energy are essential to ensure a sustainable future. A recent study on the longevity of photovoltaic panels offers us an encouraging perspective on their long-term durability and efficiency. We know the results of the tests carried out on the panels of the first photovoltaic installation connected to the French electrical gridand what they mean for the future of solar energy.
Results of the 31-year study
In 1992, the Hespul association installed the first photovoltaic panels connected to the electrical grid in France.
Recently, these panels were disassembled and subjected to rigorous laboratory testing. The results are impressive: after 31 years of operation, photovoltaic modules still produce 79.5% of their initial power. This performance exceeds expectations, considering that manufacturers generally guarantee 80% power after 25 years.
Test Methodology
To carry out these tests, the panels were placed in a temperature-controlled dark room. A light flash of 1000 W/m² was applied to them to measure their maximum instantaneous power, comparing it with the measurement taken during their manufacture more than three decades ago.
Comparison with previous studies
These results are not an isolated case. Studies from the National Renewable Energy Laboratory in the United States and the University of Ljubljana in Slovenia, along with tests at the TISO facility in Switzerland, have shown similar results. These studies confirm the robustness and reliability of photovoltaic technology in the long term.
Evolution
After 20 years of operation, the same panels produced 91.7% of their original power. This gradual decrease is consistent with that expected by manufacturers, who guarantee a production of more than 80% after 25 years.
Importance of these results
These results highlight the reliability of photovoltaics as a viable and durable solution. The panels’ ability to maintain high energy production for more than three decades reinforces their crucial role in the transition to renewable energy sources. Photovoltaic technology is not only mature, but also ready to become one of the main sources of energy, both in France and in the rest of the world.
History and Development of the Phébus 1 Project
The installation of the panels in 1992 by the Hespul association was pioneering. Financed through one of the first crowdfunding campaigns, its objective was to promote the development of photovoltaic technology in France. Phébus 1 was the first installation of its kind connected to the French electricity grid, marking a milestone in the history of solar energy in the country.
Collaboration and Support
The success of these tests is due to the support of the certification body Certisolis and the company Isowatt, which contributed to the disassembly, reassembly and testing of the panels. This type of collaboration is essential to continue advancing in the field of renewable energy.
The longevity and sustained performance of the photovoltaic panels of the Phébus 1 installation underline the reliability of solar technology. These findings, supported by multiple international studies, demonstrate that photovoltaic energy is a safe and long-lasting investment. As the world looks for sustainable alternatives, solar energy is positioned as a key solution for a cleaner, greener future.
Via www.hespul.org
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