Degradation Prevalence Study of Field-Aged Photovoltaic Modules Operating Under Kenyan Climatic Conditions

Macben Makenzi; Nelson Timonah; Mutua Benedict; Ismael Abisai

doi:doi:10.11648/j.sjee.20150301.11

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Degradation Prevalence Study of Field-Aged Photovoltaic Modules Operating Under Kenyan Climatic Conditions

Macben Makenzi, Nelson Timonah, Mutua Benedict, Ismael Abisai

Published in Science Journal of Energy Engineering (Volume 3, Issue 1)

Received: 27 January 2015 Accepted: 6 February 2015 Published: 11 February 2015

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Abstract

Photovoltaic (PV) modules deployed outdoors can degrade due to exposure to the various elements. This includes exposure to UV light, a range of fluctuating temperatures and humidity and exposure to a range of operating currents and voltages. Different weather conditions have an important influence on degradation rate. Evidence indicates that both degradation and failure mechanisms are location dependent. This paper presents a research investigating the prevalence of various forms of physical degradation experienced by photovoltaic panels which have been in operation in Kenya under various climatic conditions. To study degradation of PV systems, identification and analysis of modules that had been deployed in various locations in Kenya, and which had been in operation for at least the last 2 years was carried out. Imaging instruments were used to study visible signs of weathering and other physical defects. The results indicated that despite the fact that panels are designed to operate in outdoor environment, numerous cases do exist whereby the panels degrade physically, in various ways, and consequently exhibit total failure, diminished performance or just physical manifestation of wear. Apart from manufacturer defects, user ignorance on installation and usage was also proved to contribute to the diminished life span of some panels.

Published in	Science Journal of Energy Engineering (Volume 3, Issue 1)
DOI	10.11648/j.sjee.20150301.11
Page(s)	1-5
Creative Commons	This is an Open Access article, distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/), which permits unrestricted use, distribution and reproduction in any medium or format, provided the original work is properly cited.
Copyright	Copyright © The Author(s), 2015. Published by Science Publishing Group

Keywords

Degradation, Photovoltaic, Field-Aged Modules

References

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[3]	K. Morita, T. Inoue, H. Kato, I. Tsuda, and Y. Hishikawa, “Degradation factor analysis of crystalline-Si PV modules through long-term field exposure test”, in Proceedings of the 3rd World Conference on Photovoltaic Energy Conversion, p. 19481951, 2003.
[4]	E. E. van Dyk, J. B. Chamel, and A. R. Gxasheka, “Investigation of delamination in an edge-defined film-fed growth photovoltaic module," Solar Energy Materials and Solar Cells, vol. 88, no. 4, p. 403411, 2005.
[5]	N. G. Dhere and N. R. Raravikar, “Adhesional shear strength and surface analysis of a PV module deployed in harsh coastal climate," Solar Energy Materials and Solar Cells,vol. 67, no. 1-4, pp. 363{367, 2001.
[6]	X. Han, Y.Wang, L. Zhu, H. Xiang, and H. Zhang, “Mechanism study of the electrical per formance change of silicon concentrator solar cells immersed in de-ionized water," Energy Conversion and Management, vol. 53, no. 1, pp. 1-10, 2012.
[7]	D. Polverini, M. Field, E. Dunlop, and W. Zaaiman, “polycrystalline silicon PV modules performance and degradation over 20 years," Progress in Photovoltaics: Research and Applications, vol. 21, no. 5, pp. 1004-1015, 2013.
[8]	M. Kontges, V. Jung, and U. Eitner, “Requirements on metallization schemes on solar cells with focus on photovoltaic modules," in Proceedings of the 2nd Workshop on Metallization of Crystalline Silicon Solar Cells, 2010.
[9]	C. Dechthummarong, B. Wiengmoon, D. C. and C. Jivacate, and K. Kirtikara, “Physical deterioration of encapsulation and electrical insulation properties of PV modules after longterm operation in thailand," Solar Energy Materials and Solar Cells, vol. 94, no. 9, pp. 1437{1440, 2010.
[10]	W. Short, D. Packey, and T.Holt, “A manual for the economic evaluation of energy efficiency and renewable energy technologies," Report NREL/TP-462-5173, 1995.
[11]	L. Meeker WQ, Statistical Methods for Reliability Data. Jo. John Wiley & Sons: New York, 1998.
[12]	M.A Quintana, D.L King and T.J McMahon and C.R Osterwald, “Commonly observed degradation in field-aged photovoltaic modules”, IEEE Photovoltaic Specialist Conference, 2002.
[13]	M. D. Kempe, G. J. Jorgensen, K. M. Terwilliger, T. J. McMahon, C. E. Kennedy, and M. D. Kempe, “Acetic acid production and glass transition concerns with ethylene-vinyl acetate used in photovoltaic devices”, Solar Energy Materials and Solar Cells, 2007.
[14]	D.W Cunningham, P. Monus and J. Miller, “Long term reliability of PV modules”,In: Proc. 20th European Photovoltaic Solar Energy Conference, 2005.

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APA Style

Macben Makenzi, Nelson Timonah, Mutua Benedict, Ismael Abisai. (2015). Degradation Prevalence Study of Field-Aged Photovoltaic Modules Operating Under Kenyan Climatic Conditions. Science Journal of Energy Engineering, 3(1), 1-5. https://doi.org/10.11648/j.sjee.20150301.11

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ACS Style

Macben Makenzi; Nelson Timonah; Mutua Benedict; Ismael Abisai. Degradation Prevalence Study of Field-Aged Photovoltaic Modules Operating Under Kenyan Climatic Conditions. Sci. J. Energy Eng. 2015, 3(1), 1-5. doi: 10.11648/j.sjee.20150301.11

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AMA Style

Macben Makenzi, Nelson Timonah, Mutua Benedict, Ismael Abisai. Degradation Prevalence Study of Field-Aged Photovoltaic Modules Operating Under Kenyan Climatic Conditions. Sci J Energy Eng. 2015;3(1):1-5. doi: 10.11648/j.sjee.20150301.11

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@article{10.11648/j.sjee.20150301.11,
  author = {Macben Makenzi and Nelson Timonah and Mutua Benedict and Ismael Abisai},
  title = {Degradation Prevalence Study of Field-Aged Photovoltaic Modules Operating Under Kenyan Climatic Conditions},
  journal = {Science Journal of Energy Engineering},
  volume = {3},
  number = {1},
  pages = {1-5},
  doi = {10.11648/j.sjee.20150301.11},
  url = {https://doi.org/10.11648/j.sjee.20150301.11},
  eprint = {https://article.sciencepublishinggroup.com/pdf/10.11648.j.sjee.20150301.11},
  abstract = {Photovoltaic (PV) modules deployed outdoors can degrade due to exposure to the various elements. This includes exposure to UV light, a range of fluctuating temperatures and humidity and exposure to a range of operating currents and voltages. Different weather conditions have an important influence on degradation rate. Evidence indicates that both degradation and failure mechanisms are location dependent. This paper presents a research investigating the prevalence of various forms of physical degradation experienced by photovoltaic panels which have been in operation in Kenya under various climatic conditions. To study degradation of PV systems, identification and analysis of modules that had been deployed in various locations in Kenya, and which had been in operation for at least the last 2 years was carried out. Imaging instruments were used to study visible signs of weathering and other physical defects. The results indicated that despite the fact that panels are designed to operate in outdoor environment, numerous cases do exist whereby the panels degrade physically, in various ways, and consequently exhibit total failure, diminished performance or just physical manifestation of wear. Apart from manufacturer defects, user ignorance on installation and usage was also proved to contribute to the diminished life span of some panels.},
 year = {2015}
}

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TY  - JOUR
T1  - Degradation Prevalence Study of Field-Aged Photovoltaic Modules Operating Under Kenyan Climatic Conditions
AU  - Macben Makenzi
AU  - Nelson Timonah
AU  - Mutua Benedict
AU  - Ismael Abisai
Y1  - 2015/02/11
PY  - 2015
N1  - https://doi.org/10.11648/j.sjee.20150301.11
DO  - 10.11648/j.sjee.20150301.11
T2  - Science Journal of Energy Engineering
JF  - Science Journal of Energy Engineering
JO  - Science Journal of Energy Engineering
SP  - 1
EP  - 5
PB  - Science Publishing Group
SN  - 2376-8126
UR  - https://doi.org/10.11648/j.sjee.20150301.11
AB  - Photovoltaic (PV) modules deployed outdoors can degrade due to exposure to the various elements. This includes exposure to UV light, a range of fluctuating temperatures and humidity and exposure to a range of operating currents and voltages. Different weather conditions have an important influence on degradation rate. Evidence indicates that both degradation and failure mechanisms are location dependent. This paper presents a research investigating the prevalence of various forms of physical degradation experienced by photovoltaic panels which have been in operation in Kenya under various climatic conditions. To study degradation of PV systems, identification and analysis of modules that had been deployed in various locations in Kenya, and which had been in operation for at least the last 2 years was carried out. Imaging instruments were used to study visible signs of weathering and other physical defects. The results indicated that despite the fact that panels are designed to operate in outdoor environment, numerous cases do exist whereby the panels degrade physically, in various ways, and consequently exhibit total failure, diminished performance or just physical manifestation of wear. Apart from manufacturer defects, user ignorance on installation and usage was also proved to contribute to the diminished life span of some panels.
VL  - 3
IS  - 1
ER  -

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Author Information

Macben Makenzi

Mechatronic Department, Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and Technology, Nairobi, Kenya
Nelson Timonah

Physics Department, Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and technology, Nairobi, Kenya
Mutua Benedict

Faculty of Engineering and Technology, Egerton University, Nakuru, Kenya
Ismael Abisai

Ubbink East Africa Ltd, Naivasha, Kenya

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Plain Text BibTeX RIS

APA Style

Macben Makenzi, Nelson Timonah, Mutua Benedict, Ismael Abisai. (2015). Degradation Prevalence Study of Field-Aged Photovoltaic Modules Operating Under Kenyan Climatic Conditions. Science Journal of Energy Engineering, 3(1), 1-5. https://doi.org/10.11648/j.sjee.20150301.11

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ACS Style

Macben Makenzi; Nelson Timonah; Mutua Benedict; Ismael Abisai. Degradation Prevalence Study of Field-Aged Photovoltaic Modules Operating Under Kenyan Climatic Conditions. Sci. J. Energy Eng. 2015, 3(1), 1-5. doi: 10.11648/j.sjee.20150301.11

Copy | Download

AMA Style

Macben Makenzi, Nelson Timonah, Mutua Benedict, Ismael Abisai. Degradation Prevalence Study of Field-Aged Photovoltaic Modules Operating Under Kenyan Climatic Conditions. Sci J Energy Eng. 2015;3(1):1-5. doi: 10.11648/j.sjee.20150301.11

Copy | Download

@article{10.11648/j.sjee.20150301.11,
  author = {Macben Makenzi and Nelson Timonah and Mutua Benedict and Ismael Abisai},
  title = {Degradation Prevalence Study of Field-Aged Photovoltaic Modules Operating Under Kenyan Climatic Conditions},
  journal = {Science Journal of Energy Engineering},
  volume = {3},
  number = {1},
  pages = {1-5},
  doi = {10.11648/j.sjee.20150301.11},
  url = {https://doi.org/10.11648/j.sjee.20150301.11},
  eprint = {https://article.sciencepublishinggroup.com/pdf/10.11648.j.sjee.20150301.11},
  abstract = {Photovoltaic (PV) modules deployed outdoors can degrade due to exposure to the various elements. This includes exposure to UV light, a range of fluctuating temperatures and humidity and exposure to a range of operating currents and voltages. Different weather conditions have an important influence on degradation rate. Evidence indicates that both degradation and failure mechanisms are location dependent. This paper presents a research investigating the prevalence of various forms of physical degradation experienced by photovoltaic panels which have been in operation in Kenya under various climatic conditions. To study degradation of PV systems, identification and analysis of modules that had been deployed in various locations in Kenya, and which had been in operation for at least the last 2 years was carried out. Imaging instruments were used to study visible signs of weathering and other physical defects. The results indicated that despite the fact that panels are designed to operate in outdoor environment, numerous cases do exist whereby the panels degrade physically, in various ways, and consequently exhibit total failure, diminished performance or just physical manifestation of wear. Apart from manufacturer defects, user ignorance on installation and usage was also proved to contribute to the diminished life span of some panels.},
 year = {2015}
}

Copy | Download

TY  - JOUR
T1  - Degradation Prevalence Study of Field-Aged Photovoltaic Modules Operating Under Kenyan Climatic Conditions
AU  - Macben Makenzi
AU  - Nelson Timonah
AU  - Mutua Benedict
AU  - Ismael Abisai
Y1  - 2015/02/11
PY  - 2015
N1  - https://doi.org/10.11648/j.sjee.20150301.11
DO  - 10.11648/j.sjee.20150301.11
T2  - Science Journal of Energy Engineering
JF  - Science Journal of Energy Engineering
JO  - Science Journal of Energy Engineering
SP  - 1
EP  - 5
PB  - Science Publishing Group
SN  - 2376-8126
UR  - https://doi.org/10.11648/j.sjee.20150301.11
AB  - Photovoltaic (PV) modules deployed outdoors can degrade due to exposure to the various elements. This includes exposure to UV light, a range of fluctuating temperatures and humidity and exposure to a range of operating currents and voltages. Different weather conditions have an important influence on degradation rate. Evidence indicates that both degradation and failure mechanisms are location dependent. This paper presents a research investigating the prevalence of various forms of physical degradation experienced by photovoltaic panels which have been in operation in Kenya under various climatic conditions. To study degradation of PV systems, identification and analysis of modules that had been deployed in various locations in Kenya, and which had been in operation for at least the last 2 years was carried out. Imaging instruments were used to study visible signs of weathering and other physical defects. The results indicated that despite the fact that panels are designed to operate in outdoor environment, numerous cases do exist whereby the panels degrade physically, in various ways, and consequently exhibit total failure, diminished performance or just physical manifestation of wear. Apart from manufacturer defects, user ignorance on installation and usage was also proved to contribute to the diminished life span of some panels.
VL  - 3
IS  - 1
ER  -

Copy | Download