In-situ evaluation of the early PV module degradation of various technologies under harsh climatic conditions: The case of Morocco

Abstract

At an early stage of Photovoltaic (PV) plant project development, different aspects need to be investigated to ensure an efficient integration of this technology in the energy mix. The PV modules are one of the important components in a PV plant. Thus, they should operate reliably and above 80% of their rated power output, for at least 25 years. Harsh climate, like the one in Morocco, affects the durability of the PV modules. This issue needs to be deeply investigated. In this paper, field degradation data of 76 modules, from four of the most used technologies in the market, have been measured and analysed after 3 years of outdoor exposition. Results show that the annual mean power degradation rates (Rd) over the operation period are as follows: 0.05%/y for Copper Indium Selenide (CIS), 2.21%/y for micro-morph and 2.6%/y for monocrystalline (m-Si). As for polycrystalline (p-Si), the Rd measured was of 1.45%/y and 3.41%/y depending on the manufacturer. This is the first study dealing with PV modules durability in Morocco, and we believe that these results will be useful for researchers and project developers to get an idea about the PV durability in Morocco, and to add the found Rd values into consideration in the projects prefeasibility study.