Impact of PV Inverter Failures on LCOE of Utility-Scale PV Plant

This research investigates the influence of inverter reliability and maintenance strategies on the Levelized Cost of Energy (LCOE). In Phase 1, the impact of inverter failure rates on LCOE is quantified. The reliability statistics from the case study site are coupled with performance modeling software to comprehensively analyze the relationship between inverter reliability, downtime, and lifetime energy production. Phase 2 introduces a predictive maintenance approach, where string inverters are equipped with advanced sensors to monitor operational parameters and generate predictive signals. This enables early fault detection, allowing for timely intervention to extend the inverter lifespan and improve system reliability. In Phase 3, the study evaluates the cost-effectiveness of maintenance strategies focusing on predictive maintenance and its respective impacts on LCOE. A comprehensive cost-benefit analysis identifies the optimal maintenance approach by integrating lifetime costs and energy considerations. Predictive maintenance, leveraging sensor-driven insights, emerges as a transformative strategy, enhancing reliability while minimizing downtime and operational expenses. By coupling reliability and performance modeling with predictive maintenance strategies, the research highlights actionable pathways to achieve sustainable reductions in LCOE, supporting the broader adoption of solar energy.