Comparative investigation of performance evaluation, degradation causes, impact and corrective measures for ground mount and rooftop solar PV plants – A review

Abstract

This paper presents detailed performance and degradation analysis of small, medium and large scale solar photovoltaic (PV) plants with seven different PV technologies in different climates in the world with ground mount and tracking mechanism. The technical details and comparison of performance parameters of different PV technologies of grid connected rooftop and MW scale solar PV plants with location specific varying climatic conditions are presented. Wide variation is observed in performance parameters as reported by various researchers globally. The paper presents comprehensive comparative performance investigation, economic and environmental analysis, all possible causes, detection techniques and impact of various degradation mechanisms and failures along with frequent occurrence in type of climate observed. Detailed review on the degradation reported in PV plants by various researchers in different countries in the world with different climates is presented. Based on the findings by various researchers, research organizations, Engineering, Procurement and Construction (EPC) and Operation and Maintenance (O & M) companies, several important preventive and corrective measures taken globally are enlisted. In the end, the paper consists of important recommendations for future PV plants based on the present field performance and degradation mechanisms reported.