Factors Contributing to Solar Panel Degradation
1. Age-Related Degradation
- Weather Conditions: Exposure to heavy rainfall, snow, ice, hail, strong winds, and high temperatures contributes to frame corrosion, hardening of the crystalline silicon, and cell contamination. Microcracks can form, leading to reduced electrical connectivity.
- Thermal Cycling: The repeated expansion and contraction of materials in changing temperatures can cause microcracks and degrade the panel’s efficiency over time.
2. Light-Induced Degradation (LID)
- Initial Exposure to Sunlight: Upon first exposure, panels can lose 1-3% efficiency due to LID, which affects photoconductivity. Direct light exposure can cause temporary warping or buckling of cell electronics.
- UV Light Protection: While manufacturers use UV blockers to reduce UV-induced damage, some degradation still occurs.
3. Potential-Induced Degradation (PID)
- Voltage Discrepancies: Differences in voltage across components can cause voltage leaks, significantly reducing a panel’s performance—often by more than 30%.
4. Quality and Assembly
- Material Quality: Low-quality components can lead to faster degradation and increased maintenance costs.
- Assembly: Incompatibility between materials can affect longevity and performance.
5. Installation Factors
- Handling and Installation: Incorrect handling can cause microcracks or improper connections, impacting efficiency.
- Optimal Placement: Proper angle and clamping ensure maximum self-cleaning and mechanical resistance.
6. Maintenance
- Soiling: Accumulation of dust or debris reduces sunlight exposure and thus panel efficiency. Regular cleaning and checking of connections are crucial.
- Monitoring: Regular inspections help identify issues early.
7. Environmental Conditions
- Extreme Weather: Events like heavy snowstorms or hurricanes can damage panels physically or put undue stress on them.
- Temperature Extremes: Higher temperatures in warmer climates can increase degradation rates.
Original article by NenPower, If reposted, please credit the source: https://nenpower.com/blog/what-are-the-main-factors-that-contribute-to-solar-panel-degradation/
