Field investigation of PV pumping system ageing failures operation under Saharan environment

Understanding photovoltaic modules' failures and degradation modes is an essential task for improving their useful lifetime and manufacturing materials. This paper focuses on the assessment and analysis of the different PV module defects that occurred in a solar pumping system after a long period of exposure (since 2008) to a harsh (hot and dry) climate. Additional issues that have been observed in these systems are highlighted to enhance their operation and maintenance. A detailed visual inspection of 21 mono-crystalline silicon PV modules revealed that EVA discoloration and metallization (bus bar, finger) corrosion are the most prevalent defects, accounting for 100% of the total, followed by front side delamination and bubbles at 80%, and cracking in solar cells at 11.77%.

Automated summary

This paper analyzes the defects of photovoltaic modules in a solar pumping system exposed to harsh climate conditions. The most common defects found through visual inspection include EVA discoloration and metallization corrosion, followed by front side delamination and bubbles, with cracking in solar cells being less frequent.