Analysis of a 8-Year Field-Tested PV Module Deployed in a Subtropical Environment

Distributed Energy Resource (DER) deployments continue to accelerate as the electric grid experiences the transformative shift to a decentralized renewable generation and distribution-based network. Photovoltaics (PV) systems in particular are an extremely attractive option for many residential and commercial owners towards electricity generation in densely populated urban areas. However, harsh environmental conditions can often accelerate the degradation of PV components which may lead to electrical issues, hazardous conditions for people and equipment, and decreases in their economic effectiveness. In this work, the failure modes and effects of PV modules are discussed as well as the inference of their effects on system reliability. Furthermore, a visual inspection and temperature analysis of a 315W solar PV module from a 8-year PV system deployed in the harsh subtropical environment of Miami, FL are performed. From these analyses, several insights on PV design are drawn at both the module and system level, and recommendations for future PV installations are provided.