The use of solar energy has become essential to the worldwide shift to sustainable energy sources. But solar panels gradually deteriorate similar to any other type of technology. The generation of electricity decreases as a result of the deterioration rate. The average annual deterioration rate of solar panels is around 0.5%, meaning that a solar panel’s energy production will decrease by 0.5% per year 1. Here we are going to explore the possibility of solar panels deterioration, looking at what causes it and how to minimize its negative effects on output.
The Nature of Degradation
Gradual loss in electricity production and efficiency over a long period of time is referred to as solar panel degradation. Solar panel performance is guaranteed for 25 to 30 years, depending on the manufacturer, but it’s quite likely that your panels will continue to provide power for an extended period of time. The “useful life” of a solar system is defined as the first 25 to 30 years following installation. Indeed, the world’s first modern solar panel is still producing power at the ripe age of 60 2! However, the performance of the panels can be impacted by a number of mechanical, chemical, and environmental factors that influence this natural process.
Environmental Influences
Damage Caused by Light
Light-Induced Degradation (LID) happens when the solar system is installed and has its initial exposure to the sun. As a result, this lowers the panel’s photoconductivity. The efficiency of the panels at this point is lowered by 1-3%, and LID is also known as an early deterioration 4. The semiconductor material in solar cells gradually deteriorates when exposed to sunlight on a constant basis. This can ultimately lead the electrical conversion efficiency to decrease.
Temperature Variations
During the lifetime, solar panels are exposed to a wide spectrum of temperatures. The process of solar panel degradation can be accelerated in high temperatures while the process of deterioration may be slowed down in colder regions. The temperature coefficient of a photovoltaic panel causes its efficiency to drop when temperatures rise over 25°C (77°F). The coefficient calculates the percentage change in output power that occurs for each degree Celsius above the standard temperature, which is generally 25°C 5.This process can accelerate solar panel degradation in hotter climates, while colder regions may see a slower rate of deterioration.
Humidity and Moisture
In areas with high humidity or frequent rainfall, moisture can severely damage the components of solar panels, contributing to their degradation.
Mechanical Stresses
Thermal Cycling
Thermal cycling simulates the effects of weather by subjecting solar panels to temperature extremes (-40°C to 85°C, according to IEC standard), just as day and night cycle daily and the weather varies over the seasons. The IEC 61215 standard mandates 200 thermal cycling sessions to assess the dependability of solar panels 6. Thermal cycling, or daily temperature variations, can lead materials to expand and contract, which may result in microcracks and deterioration.
Damage and Impact of Hail
Hailstorms and other extreme weather can physically harm solar panels, reducing their efficiency and degrade the overall performance. Damage from hail impacts can cause your solar energy system to operate less efficiently. The quantity of sunlight your solar panels can absorb is decreased by the small shadows created by the cracks and scratches. Most importantly, hail damage can cause a solar panel’s lifespan to be shortened.
Chemical Reactions
Corrosion
The metallic components of the panel can corrode if they are exposed to abrasive chemicals, pollutants, or salt air. There are several types of corrosion, including oxidation, rust, and general deterioration of metallic surfaces. In the end, decreased solar panel efficiency and a shorter operating lifespan can come from these corrosion-related to solar cell degradation.
Mitigating Degradation
Your solar power system will continue to provide more than 90% of its initial power production for 25 years if degradation occurs at a rate of 0.25% to 0.4% annually. However, productivity falls below 90% in less than 15 years at a degradation rate of 0.8% per year. If you use the outdated 1% degradation criteria, +90% output hardly gets you to the 10-year milestone 8. So it is important to mitigate the degradation rate, and we can minimize the degradation through following ways.
Solar panel degradation percentage per year and its lifespan (Image Source: Capital City Solar)
Here are some strategies to minimize degradation in solar panels:
- Using high-quality materials and adhering to strict manufacturing standards can prolong the lifespan and performance of solar panels.
- The possibility of deterioration can be reduced by shielding the panels from environmental influences through the use of protective coatings and encapsulating materials.
- Regular inspections and maintenance procedures can assist in spotting early indicators of degradation, enabling prompt replacements or repairs.
- By regulating the temperature of solar panels, cooling methods like air or water cooling can be used to minimize damage caused by heat.
- A safe and proper installation of solar panels helps save unnecessary mechanical harm that could cause degradation.
To maximize the performance and durability of solar panels, it is important to understand the phenomena of degradation. We can ensure that solar energy stays a dependable and sustainable source of electricity for many years to come by identifying solar panel degradation the mechanical, chemical, and environmental elements that contribute to and putting proactive measures in place to reduce its impacts.
Enhancing Solar Panel Lifespan with Solar Asset Management Software
Solar asset management software and solar software are essential for monitoring and reducing the degradation of solar panels. The blog’s insights on the factors affecting solar panel degradation and ways to minimize these effects can be effectively integrated into these software solutions. Here’s how:
Real-Time Monitoring and Data Analytics
Solar asset management software uses real-time monitoring and data analytics in Solar Energy to continuously track solar panel performance. By integrating sensors that measure voltage, current, temperature, and humidity, the software can detect early signs of degradation like light-induced degradation (LID), temperature variations, and moisture impact.
Predictive Maintenance
The predictive maintenance features of solar software can forecast potential degradation issues based on historical data and performance trends. For instance, if a panel frequently faces high temperatures, the software can predict a higher degradation rate and recommend preventive measures like installing cooling systems.
Automated Alerts and Notifications
Solar energy software sets thresholds for various parameters and generates automated alerts when these thresholds are exceeded. For example, if a solar panel’s temperature rises above the optimal range, the software notifies maintenance personnel to take corrective actions, preventing accelerated degradation.
Regular Inspections and Maintenance Scheduling
Solar asset management software schedules regular inspections and maintenance tasks based on monitored data. This ensures that any physical damage, corrosion, or microcracks identified during inspections are promptly addressed, minimizing long-term impact on panel efficiency.
Integration of Advanced Technologies
Using IoT devices and AI, solar software enhances the accuracy of degradation detection and management. AI algorithms analyze data patterns to identify subtle signs of degradation, such as microcracks caused by thermal cycling or hail damage, which might not be detected manually.
Performance Optimization
By continuously monitoring and analyzing solar panel performance data, solar asset management software helps optimize their efficiency. This includes recommending protective measures like encapsulating materials and coatings to shield panels from environmental influences and prolong their lifespan.
Enhanced Reporting and Documentation
Solar energy software provides detailed reports and documentation management on the performance and degradation of solar panels. This information is crucial for assessing the health of the solar power system and making informed maintenance and upgrade decisions.
Conclusion
In short, solar panel degradation and strategies to mitigate its effects can be effectively integrated into solar asset management software and solar software. By leveraging real-time monitoring, predictive maintenance, automated alerts, and advanced technologies, these software solutions ensure the optimal performance and longevity of solar panels, contributing to a sustainable and reliable source of solar energy.
FAQS:
What is solar panel degradation?
Solar panel degradation refers to the gradual loss of efficiency and electricity production over time due to various mechanical, chemical, and environmental factors.
How do automated alerts in solar energy software improve maintenance response?
Automated alerts notify maintenance personnel when performance thresholds are exceeded, ensuring prompt action to correct issues and prevent further degradation.
How does solar asset management software help reduce solar panel degradation?
Solar management software reduces degradation by monitoring panel performance, detecting issues early, and scheduling maintenance to prevent problems.
Why is regular maintenance important for solar panels?
Regular maintenance helps identify and address physical damage, corrosion, and microcracks early, preventing long-term efficiency loss and extending the panels’ lifespan.
How does solar panel degradation impact energy production?
Degradation reduces the panels’ efficiency, leading to lower electricity production over time. Understanding and mitigating degradation helps maintain optimal energy output.
