Methodology for Establishing a Long-Term Durability Evaluation Process for Building-Integrated Photovoltaic (BIPV) Modules

Mu-Yi Jeon; Chang-Ki Ju; Sung-Dae Cho; Soo-Hyun Hwang; Youn-Hwan Kim

doi:10.7836/kses.2025.45.6.107

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2025 Vol.45, Issue 6 Preview Page Next Page

Research Article

Methodology for Establishing a Long-Term Durability Evaluation Process for Building-Integrated Photovoltaic (BIPV) Modules BIPV 모듈의 장수명 평가 프로세스 수립을 위한 방법론 연구

30 December 2025. pp. 107-116

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Abstract

Building-integrated photovoltaic (BIPV) modules, which are used as renewable energy sources and building materials, require a higher long-term durability assurance than traditional photovoltaic modules. BIPV modules are structural, fire-resistant, and weatherproof. Moreover, power producers require lifetime guarantees that satisfy the demand for traditional construction materials, often reaching 40–50 years or the full lifetime of the construction. However, recent PV module reliability standards and test manuals, such as IEC 61215, are not fully appropriate for ensuring the long-term environmental stresses experienced by BIPV modules in environmental variations. This study introduces and reviews the certification requirements of major BIPV standards and analyzes the failure states unusual to the integration of building envelopes with PV modules. Based on this analysis, we proposed an accelerated lifetime testing (ALT) methodology that simulates long-term multivariate environmental stress situations within a condensed timeline. The ALT method focuses on major degradation processes, including damp heat, UV exposure, thermal cycling, mechanical load, and other environmental stresses. Specific test procedures were proposed for each critical failure mode. These findings promote design revisions and material blueprints tailored to building applications, accelerate the adoption of rising BIPV technologies, and provide scientific support for future reliability guarantees. This study suggests enhancing trust, adoption, and competitiveness of BIPV products in the global market for sustainable building applications.

Keywords

Building-integrated photovoltaic modules

Accelerated lifetime testing

International Electrotechnical Commission

Korea Standard

키워드

건물일체형 태양광모듈

가속수명시험

국제전기기술위원회

한국산업표준

References

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Information

Publisher :Korean Solar Energy Society
Publisher(Ko) :한국태양에너지학회
Journal Title :Journal of the Korean Solar Energy Society
Journal Title(Ko) :한국태양에너지학회 논문집
Volume : 45
No :6
Pages :107-116
Received Date : 2025-11-21
Revised Date : 2025-12-11
Accepted Date : 2025-12-12
DOI :https://doi.org/10.7836/kses.2025.45.6.107

Journal of the Korean Solar Energy Society ISSN:1598-6411(Print) 2508-3562(Online) 한국태양에너지학회 논문집

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