Comparative Reliability of Solar Technologies in Desert Environments: Annual Analysis by Semi-Empirical Approach

This study investigates the reliability and performance of solar modules with two different technologies, HJT and PERC, over one year in the Atacama Desert, where high solar irradiation and temperature make it an ideal place for testing PV modules' performance. To evaluate the performance of photovoltaic (PV) modules, a comprehensive approach involving both physical-electrical data and environmental sensors has been used. Data collection was conducted over a one-year period, from January to December 2023, ensuring a robust dataset that captures seasonal variations and different weather scenarios. A semi-empirical model has been used to model the experimental data and compare the two, determining their contribution to power losses or gains associated with thermal effects and albedo. The proposed model is focused on the string maximum operative voltage estimation implementing the low light efficiency effect, combining outdoor and indoor data fitting.The analysis highlighted that temperature significantly affects the effective equivalent operating hours (EOH), especially during the summer, where HJT modules outperformed PERCs under high-temperature conditions, demonstrating superior reliability with an average EOH of 5.8 kWh/(kWp∙day) compared to 5.5 kWh/(kWp∙day), respectively. The HJT lower power thermal coefficient has granted lower losses if compared with PERC modules, where HJT lost on average -3.5% of EOH and PERC-5.5%. The high bifaciality coefficient of 3SUN HJT has granted an extra production of +3.5% on average while PERC achieved only the +2%. These results emphasize the critical role of temperature management in enhancing solar module performance in desert environments, with the HJT modules maintaining stable performance throughout the year. The proposed model could help the design and deployment strategies for solar installations in diverse environmental settings, especially extreme ones.