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

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.