Field investigation of PV pumping system ageing failures operation under Saharan environment. (1st September 2022)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Bouraiou, Ahmed; Bekraoui, Amina; Necaibia, Ammar; Rouabhia, Abdelkrim; Boutasseta, Nadir; Khelifi, Seyfallah; Padmanaban, Sanjeevikumar; Khan, Baseem; Bouakkaz, Mohammed Salah; Attoui, Issam; Dabou, Rachid
• Is Part Of: Solar energy. Volume 243(2022)
• Page Start: 142
• Page End: 152
• Publication Date: 2022-09-01
• Subjects: Photovoltaic (PV) module defect -- EVA discoloration -- Delamination -- Metallization corrosion -- Bubbles -- Cell cracking -- Hot and dry climate; Solar energy -- Periodicals; Solar engines -- Periodicals; 621.47
• DOI: 10.1016/j.solener.2022.08.005
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0038-092X

Abstract

Highlights: Investigations of the occurred PV pumping failures were performed. PV modules have been exposed to harsh Saharan environmental for up to 13 years. A detailed visual inspection of 21 -crystalline silicon PV modules was performed. The study provides useful lessons to construct an effective PV pumping system design. Abstract: 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%.