Economic impact of module replacement

Abstract

We report the results from an economic analysis of module replacement costs in a residential c-Si photovoltaic (PV) system. Our objective is to ensure the long- term financial success of PV assets through dissemination of information regarding PV system costs and demonstrate an economic rationale to improve quality and reduce risk. These results will provide actual PV system field experience and will document the economic impact of PV module defects using both a sensitivity analysis and worst case scenario analysis from an actual PV installation. Multiple 10 kW systems that demonstrated systemic failure of a module backsheet subcomponent after four years in operation are the basis of this study. We will share an overview of the observed PV system defects and assumptions used for analysis. A breakdown of the impact on levelized cost of electricity (LCOE), payback period, and net present value (NPV) will be presented. In addition, we hope to raise awareness about module defects that may be indicative of quality issues requiring further investigation or proactive operation and maintenance (O&M). We will offer some risk mitigation techniques developed, as a result of our learning, to help identify and reduce these operational expenses.