DLG confirms ammonia resistance - Performance stability straight down the line
The German Agricultural Society (DLG) and SCHOTT Solar have worked together to develop a standardized testing procedure for solar modules in agricultural environments. The DLG simulates the unique conditions that photovoltaic (PV) modules installed on top of buildings on farms with livestock must withstand at its test center in Groß-Umstadt.
PV modules from SCHOTT Solar met all of the strict demands and fulfilled the test criteria of the DLG.
In livestock farming: odor, ammonia and dust particles can develop. When considering photovoltaics the concentration of ammonia, which is a harmful substance that is released into the air in large amounts on farms should be considered. These emissions can additionally increase aging (degradation) of the photovoltaic modules. Degradation leads to a lower energy yield and therefore a lower return rate for the operator of a photovoltaic system.
The DLG-Focus Test “Ammonia Resistance” was conducted as a laboratory test according to the patented “DLG Test standard for solar modules in agricultural environments.” This test determines whether or not the PV modules are able to withstand the effects of the air in buildings with livestock over a period of at least 20 years.
The test took place inside a special atmospheric chamber with following climatic conditions:
- Test duration: 1500 h
- Air temperature: 70 °C
- Relative humidity: 70 %
- Ammonia concentration: 750 ppm
The PV modules from SCHOTT Solar met all of the demands and fulfilled the test criteria of the DLG.
"These tests showed that the modules from SCHOTT Solar offer resistance against ammoniacal air inside barns and thus do not age any faster than the modules that are installed on a normal single-family home,” explains Winfried Gramatte, the project manager responsible with the DLG. He adds: “Only high-quality modules that are capable of resisting the effects of extreme conditions and are durable will be able to generate high yields for extended periods of time.”
This gives you the assurance that the modules from SCHOTT Solar deliver the output they promise, even in difficult conditions and for a long period of time – and give you an attractive return.
Whatever the future holds.
