Photovoltaic Module Degradation Forecast Models for Onshore and Offshore Floating Systems

Abstract

The degradation trend of photovoltaic modules depends on the technology, manufacturing techniques and climatic conditions of the site where they are installed. Longer useful life of the PV modules means that they will be able to produce much more energy than was used to build them; thus, extending the useful life of the modules is beneficial for the environment and increases the cost effectiveness of PVs. The problem of land use has prompted the development of agrivoltaic systems to exploit the same land both for the production of energy and for agriculture, and on water surfaces such as lakes and dams (floating PV). The exploitation of floating PV systems in onshore and offshore areas is currently under study. This constitutes an opportunity for which many factors must be taken into account; a fundamental aspect is the environmental impact, on which some recent studies have focused. Another aspect is the impact of the marine environment on PV system reliability and durability, due to the stress on operating conditions. The aim of this preliminary study is to evaluate the influence of the marine environment on the degradation trend of photovoltaic modules, based on existing models whose inputs are meteorological data from offshore locations. The results obtained from the application of a cumulative exposure model unexpectedly showed a lower degradation value in the offshore environment than on the mainland: −0.95% and −3% values of power decay, respectively. The absolute value of power decay in the onshore case is higher than the typical values because the used model has to be revised, as the empirical coefficients of the model have to be calculated according to the installation environment. The empirical coefficients used in the model were obtained in environmental conditions different from those under study. In the offshore case, the degradation estimated by the model does not take into account some environmental factors typical of the marine environment. Model adaptations calibrated with datasets of plants in environmental conditions similar to those analyzed would allow for greater accuracy in the results.

PV Temperature Prediction Incorporating the Effect of Humidity and Cooling Due to Seawater Flow and Evaporation on Modules Simulating Floating PV Conditions

“…While the aforementioned efficiency gains are significant, some losses may be encountered due to a thin layer of salt that remains after the s.w. layer evaporation on the PV module, which may lead to a reduction in the solar irradiance reaching the PV cells [60]. Long-term exposure to humid and saline environments can lead to corrosion, potentialinduced degradation (PID), and other PV degradation effects reducing the module and system lifetime [19,21,60,61].…”

“…layer evaporation on the PV module, which may lead to a reduction in the solar irradiance reaching the PV cells [60]. Long-term exposure to humid and saline environments can lead to corrosion, potentialinduced degradation (PID), and other PV degradation effects reducing the module and system lifetime [19,21,60,61]. Biofouling effects, including algae growth on PV modules, may pose additional challenges [62,63].…”

Discussion on the development of offshore floating photovoltaic plants, emphasizing marine environmental protection

“…Kim et al (Kim et al, 2021) discussed different types of degradation, accelerated-stress tests, levels, and prioritization to expand the life expectancy of the PV module by means of IEC 61215 (The standard qualification test programs for terrestrial photovoltaic modules). Mannino et al (Mannino et al 2023), reported the preliminary study of evaluating the influence of marine environmental variables on the degradation trend of photovoltaic modules. Onshore and offshore environmental variables are used as input for the degradation forecast model and subjected to numerical simulations to obtain quantitative results.…”

Review of Hot Topics in the Sustainable Development of Energy, Water, and Environment Systems Conference in 2022

“…Mannino et al [47] conducted a study focused on developing degradation forecast models for PV modules in both onshore and offshore floating systems. This investigation is particularly relevant as floating PV panels can be deployed on lakes and dams, providing a solution to land use challenges for other purposes.…”