Non-destructive in-situ performance monitoring of high-efficiency SPV modules using infrared thermography in composite climate of India

The solar energy sector has experienced remarkable growth in recent years due to technical developments, encouraging government policies and cost reduction.1 However, the large-scale market-driven growth of solar photovoltaic technologies has to overcome technical hurdles such as performance and reliability.2 The solar photovoltaic modules (SPV) are expected to perform with an acceptable degradation rate during their lifetime, i.e., 25 years.3 The performance of SPV module depends on the material properties (i.e., band gap, electron-hole concentration, lattice structure, etc.), electrical behavior (i.e., series resistance (Rs), shunt resistance (Rsh), short circuit current, open circuit voltage, etc.). Environmental parameters (i.e., solar radiation, ambient temperature, humidity, air pollution and dust particles) also plays a significant role in the operation.4 The effect of these parameters can be optimized by utilizing optimal design and assembling strategies of solar cells and modules, to obtain maximum output and reliable performance in outdoor operating conditions.5 The long-term monitoring and assessment of solar power production over time provide the reliability and durability of SPV modules at particular climatic zones.6 The process of monitoring the condition of the solar modules at the field is considered as the performance monitoring. It aims to check the current status of the plant, to deduct the early degradation, prevent the unexpected breakdown, maximize the plant life, and reduce failure percentage in the field. Apart from the financial and economic losses it also leads to accidental damage to the society and the environment. The efficient performance monitoring aim is to monitor the solar module components, system designs, and faults, thereby enhancing the quality of the manufactured product and reduction in the maintenance cost.