Durability analysis of the [Eu(bphen)(tta)3] down-shifter on Si-based PV modules exposed to extreme outdoor conditions

In this work, the ageing of [Eu(bphen)(tta)3]/PMMA down-shifters (DS) placed on top of photovoltaic (PV) modules exposed to extreme outdoor conditions is reported for first time. The PV modules have been placed in a defined location in Tenerife, Canary Island, where extreme outdoor conditions exist. The [Eu(bphen)(tta)3]/ PMMA DSs have been directly exposed to the outdoor conditions or covered with a low iron glass. The results reveal an improvement of the total power of the modules with [Eu(bphen)(tta)3]/PMMA down-shifters, 7.06% for the DS directly exposed to outdoor conditions, and a 3.95% for the encapsulated DS during the first operation day, in comparison with a reference module. However, the improvement vanishes after 20 days when the DS is not encapsulated.