Analysis of electroluminescence and infrared thermal images of monocrystalline silicon photovoltaic modules after 20 years of outdoor use in a solar vehicle

Berardone, Irene; Garcia, J. Lopez; Paggi, Marco

doi:10.1016/j.solener.2018.07.055

Cited by 53 publications

(13 citation statements)

References 18 publications

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“…In the context of the extensive range of damage scenarios that affect photovoltaic modules, Berardone et al (2018) points that there are still few studies employing EL and infrared (IR) imagery. The application of these two techniques has advantages and drawbacks and a combined use has not been extensively made.…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Degradation analysis of a photovoltaic generator after operating for 15 years in southern Brazil

et al. 2020

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Photovoltaic modules long-term reliability is a key requirement to keep this technology a commercially interesting option for energy production. The investment return on PV generation system depends, among other factors, on the peculiarities of the system on efficiency reduction caused by environmental action. Technical standards suggest laboratory tests for the qualification and a better understanding on module degradation behavior. Nevertheless, some degradation modes can only be observed after years of field operation. This paper presents the main signs of degradation on crystalline silicon photovoltaic modules caused by outdoor exposure after a period of 15 years in an installation in the city of Porto Alegre, the southernmost state capital city in Brazil. The electric analysis demonstrated that the modules kept 90.5% of their initial power, with an average of degradation rate of 0.7% per year. Some techniques helped the evaluation of defects caused by exposure of the arrays for long periods of operation, such as electroluminescence imaging and I-V curve testing. The most frequent defects found were browning (encapsulant darkening) and cell encapsulant delamination, leading to the anti-reflective layer deterioration. The junction box of one of the modules was detached, allowing the entrance of moisture and resulting in the disconnection of some of the module cells. The electroluminescence technique also provided a better understanding on modes of degradation. Despite the observed evidences of degradation along these 15 years, it can be said that the system remains within the expected operation limits.

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Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Degradation analysis of a photovoltaic generator after operating for 15 years in southern Brazil

et al. 2020

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“…Measurements similar to electroluminescent experiments can also be performed with a thermal capturing camera, in which case the temperature distribution can be observed. The two test methods must show a consistent pattern [31,33], as the resistance of the dark parts seen in the EL images is higher, and thus the temperature increase is higher. Studies of this nature are in progress in our laboratory.…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Operation Problems of Solar Panel Caused by the Surface Contamination

Matusz-Kalász

Bodnár

2021

Energies

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Solar panels have been widely criticized for their weather dependence and slowly improving efficiency. Several external factors can further increase the efficiency of solar panels, e.g., shading effect and surface contamination. We investigated the warming effect and the negative impact of these factors on energy production during the research. The continuous operation at high temperatures can modify the crystal structure of solar cells in these hot spots. The electroluminescence (EL) images and thermal imaging measurements show crystal structure failure. In addition to structural damage and rapid aging of the solar cells, contaminants can cause power losses of up to 10%.

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“…In addition, performance degradation should also be mentioned. The dirty modules tested in the solar power plant were able to produce a 10%-20% lower performance [4,5,[13][14][15][16][17][18][19].…”

Section: Thermal Imagingmentioning

confidence: 99%

Condition Assessment of Solar Modules by Flash Test and Electroluminescence Test

et al. 2021

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The Hungarian society and the Hungarian state are constantly increasing their solar capacity. More and more solar power plants are being put into operation. The largest of these has a 100 MW peak capacity. Such power plants do not require constant maintenance. However, in the case of low productivity, a conditional assessment is required. The reason for production loss can also be manufacturing, installation, and operational errors. A flying drone was used for finding failures by thermographic scouting. Furthermore, electroluminescent (EL) and flash tests give a comprehensive view of the real state of the modules in a mobile laboratory. We had the opportunity to summarize these test results of more than a thousand modules operating in a solar power plant. The report on the power plant shows that a significant part of the modules became unusable in a short time. After four years, 10% of the 260 Wp modules suffered a performance reduction of more than 10%.

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Analysis of electroluminescence and infrared thermal images of monocrystalline silicon photovoltaic modules after 20 years of outdoor use in a solar vehicle

Cited by 53 publications

References 18 publications

Degradation analysis of a photovoltaic generator after operating for 15 years in southern Brazil

Degradation analysis of a photovoltaic generator after operating for 15 years in southern Brazil

Operation Problems of Solar Panel Caused by the Surface Contamination

Condition Assessment of Solar Modules by Flash Test and Electroluminescence Test

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Analysis of electroluminescence and infrared thermal images of monocrystalline silicon photovoltaic modules after 20 years of outdoor use in a solar vehicle

Cited by 53 publications

References 18 publications

Degradation analysis of a photovoltaic generator after operating for 15 years in southern Brazil

Degradation analysis of a photovoltaic generator after operating for 15 years in southern Brazil

Operation Problems of Solar Panel Caused by the Surface Contamination

Condition Assessment of Solar Modules by Flash Test and Electroluminescence Test

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Analysis of electroluminescence and infrared thermal images of monocrystalline silicon photovoltaic modules after 20 years of outdoor use in a solar vehicle