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The evaluation of the snail track affected photovoltaic modules by different methods after 3-year operating in central Poland

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  • Mik, Krzysztof
  • Bugaj, Marcin
  • Chaja, Patryk

Abstract

Recently, a presence of so-called snail tracks has been reported in many photovoltaic (PV) fields. The influence of the phenomena on PV modules performance is ambiguous. In this paper, the authors have performed a series of tests on 20 polycrystalline modules, which have been operating in a moderate, intermediate climate for over 3 years, to evaluate the snail tracks impact. Besides commonly used techniques like visual inspection, electroluminescence, illuminated thermography and current-voltage characteristic determination, dark thermography was also applied. The analysis of uncertainty and the statistical approach were used to obtain reliable results. The visual inspection and electroluminescence tests confirmed in case of 96% of snail tracks that they are strongly correlated with micro cracks. In addition, a novel classification of snail tracks is proposed. There is no evidence that presence and number of snail tracks influence photovoltaic module power. Furthermore, illuminated and dark thermography revealed no clear relation between temperature field and snail tracks occurrence.

Suggested Citation

  • Mik, Krzysztof & Bugaj, Marcin & Chaja, Patryk, 2021. "The evaluation of the snail track affected photovoltaic modules by different methods after 3-year operating in central Poland," Renewable Energy, Elsevier, vol. 163(C), pages 504-516.
    • Handle: RePEc:eee:renene:v:163:y:2021:i:c:p:504-516
    DOI: 10.1016/j.renene.2020.09.005
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    1. Mühleisen, W. & Hirschl, C. & Brantegger, G. & Neumaier, L. & Spielberger, M. & Sonnleitner, H. & Kubicek, B. & Ujvari, G. & Ebner, R. & Schwark, M. & Eder, G.C. & Voronko, Y. & Knöbl, K. & Stoicescu,, 2019. "Scientific and economic comparison of outdoor characterisation methods for photovoltaic power plants," Renewable Energy, Elsevier, vol. 134(C), pages 321-329.
    2. Tsanakas, John A. & Ha, Long & Buerhop, Claudia, 2016. "Faults and infrared thermographic diagnosis in operating c-Si photovoltaic modules: A review of research and future challenges," Renewable and Sustainable Energy Reviews, Elsevier, vol. 62(C), pages 695-709.
    3. Silva, Aline M. & Melo, Fernando C. & Reis, Joaquim H. & Freitas, Luiz C.G., 2019. "The study and application of evaluation methods for photovoltaic modules under real operational conditions, in a region of the Brazilian Southeast," Renewable Energy, Elsevier, vol. 138(C), pages 1189-1204.
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    Cited by:

    1. Koester, L. & Lindig, S. & Louwen, A. & Astigarraga, A. & Manzolini, G. & Moser, D., 2022. "Review of photovoltaic module degradation, field inspection techniques and techno-economic assessment," Renewable and Sustainable Energy Reviews, Elsevier, vol. 165(C).
    2. Høiaas, Ingeborg & Grujic, Katarina & Imenes, Anne Gerd & Burud, Ingunn & Olsen, Espen & Belbachir, Nabil, 2022. "Inspection and condition monitoring of large-scale photovoltaic power plants: A review of imaging technologies," Renewable and Sustainable Energy Reviews, Elsevier, vol. 161(C).

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