Reliability and Degradation of Solar PV Modules—Case Study of 19-Year-Old Polycrystalline Modules in Ghana

Technologies

David A. Quansah¹  Muyiwa S. Adaramola¹  Isaac A. Edwin²  Gabriel Takyi² 

[1] Renewable Energy Group, Faculty of Environmental Sciences and Natural Resource Management, Norwegian University of Life Sciences (NMBU), Ås (1432), Norway;The Brew-Hammond Energy Centre, College of Engineering, Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST), PMB, University Post Office, Kumasi, Ghana;

关键词: solar PV;    module;    degradation;    characterization;    I-V Curve;   

DOI  :  10.3390/technologies5020022

来源: DOAJ

【 摘 要 】

Fourteen (14) rack-mounted polycrystalline modules installed on the concrete roof of the solar energy applications laboratory at the Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST) in Ghana, a hot humid environment, were assessed after 19 years of continuous outdoor exposure. The physical state of the modules was documented using a visual inspection checklist. They were further assessed by current-voltage (I-V) characterization and thermal imaging. The modules were found to be in good physical state, except some bubbles on front side and minor discolouration/corrosion at edge of the cells. Compared with reference values, the performance decline of the modules observed over the exposure period was: nominal power (Pnom), 21% to 35%; short circuit current (Isc), 5.8% to 11.7%; open circuit voltage (Voc) 3.6% to 5.6% and 11.9% to 25.7% for fill factor (FF). It is hoped that this study will provide some helpful information to project developers, manufacturers and the research community on the long-term performance of PV modules in Ghana.

【 授权许可】

Unknown