Analysis of the degradation and aging of a commercial photovoltaic installation

Alexander Bradley; Babak Hamzavy; William Gambogi

doi:10.1117/12.2062046

8 October 2014 Analysis of the degradation and aging of a commercial photovoltaic installation

Alexander Bradley, Babak Hamzavy, William Gambogi

Proceedings Volume 9179, Reliability of Photovoltaic Cells, Modules, Components, and Systems VII; 917907 (2014) https://doi.org/10.1117/12.2062046
Event: SPIE Solar Energy + Technology, 2014, San Diego, California, United States

Abstract

Simple and accurate methods are needed to monitor and assess PV systems. It is important to characterize and understand the value of the system with regard to safety and performance (including seasonal and geographical variations) as well as operation and maintenance. This documentation is becoming necessary for the secondary or resale value of PV assets. We report the results from an analysis of a commercial c-Si PV array owned and operated by DuPont. Our technical assessment consists of remote monitoring, field inspection with visual examination and thermal imaging to create a pareto chart of degradation modes, and laboratory analysis. A comparison of remote monitoring and site inspection is presented as well as laboratory analysis (nondestructive and destructive test methods) of modules removed from the service environment. Degradation modes and quality issues became evident as electrical, optical, physical or chemical defects developed with system age. This evaluation provided system data, documented quality issues, and quantified the cost of ownership.

Citation Download Citation

Alexander Bradley, Babak Hamzavy, and William Gambogi "Analysis of the degradation and aging of a commercial photovoltaic installation", Proc. SPIE 9179, Reliability of Photovoltaic Cells, Modules, Components, and Systems VII, 917907 (8 October 2014); https://doi.org/10.1117/12.2062046

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