Degradation and energy performance evaluation of mono-crystalline photovoltaic modules in Egypt

Abstract

Degradation reduces the capability of solar photovoltaic (PV) production over time. Studies on PV module degradation are typically based on time-consuming and labor-intensive accelerated or field experiments. Understanding the modes and methodologies of degradation is critical to certifying PV module lifetimes of 25 years. Both technological and environmental conditions affect the PV module degradation rate. This paper investigates the degradation of 24 mono-crystalline silicon PV modules mounted on the rooftop of Egypt's electronics research institute (ERI) after 25 years of outdoor operation. Degradation rates were determined using the module's performance ratio, temperature losses, and energy yield. Visual inspection, I–V characteristic measurement, and degradation rate have all been calculated as part of the PV evaluation process. The results demonstrate that the modules' maximum power ($P_{\mathit{max}}$) has decreased in an average manner by 23.3% over time. The degradation rates of short-circuit current ($I_{\mathit{sc}}$) and maximum current ($I_m$) are 12.16% and 7.2%, respectively. The open-circuit voltage ($V_{\mathit{oc}}$), maximum voltage ($V_m$), and fill factor ($\mathit{FF}$) degradation rates are 2.28%, 12.16%, and 15.3%, respectively. The overall performance ratio obtained for the PV system is 85.9%. After a long time of operation in outdoor conditions, the single diode model's five parameters are used for parameter identification of each module to study the effect of aging on PV module performance.