Performance assessment of field deployed multi-crystalline PV modules in Nordic conditions

Abstract

This paper presents an investigation of data monitoring quality and evaluation of performance degradation of four different multi-crystalline silicon (mc-Si) photovoltaic (PV) modules installed in the higher latitude conditions in southern Norway. Degradation of each module has been investigated in terms of degradation of short-circuit current (ISC), open-circuit voltage (VOC), fill factor (FF) and maximum power (PMPP). The analysis for the period of monitoring data from 2014 to 2018 show no considerable module degradation compared to the standard degradation rate of all parameters. The statistical analysis of I SC shows an average degradation of 0.17% for all modules. Spectral corrections were applied to I SC and P MPP , in addition to temperature and irradiance corrections. Among the parameters, FF and ISC show slight degradation based on the yearly average method. Infrared images were used for validation of findings, but due to the unavailability of images from the initial installation period, the image results are inconclusive. Performance ratio plots based on corrected I SC values show very stable performances over the five-year period. The results suggest that PV modules in cold conditions may undergo lower degradation compared to typical degradation rates experienced in other regions.

Development of a big data bank for PV monitoring data, analysis and simulation in COST Action ‘PEARL PV’

“…Next, data will be analyzed of the actual monitored long-term performance, defects and failures in PV systems installed all over Europe to quantitatively determine the absolute influences of components rated performance, key design of systems including BIPV, residential, field-based and floating systems, installation, operation, maintenance practice, geographic location and weather/climate factors on the performance, performance degradation over time and failure modes of these PV systems. Guidelines for analyses have been recently reviewed, and will be used as basis for analysis [9]. Close collaboration with IEA-PVPS-Task 13 is foreseen and guaranteed as many PEARL-PV participants are also active within IEA-PVPS-Task 13 [10].…”