Site 2.32
Site ID
2.32
Health
COD
2019
Nominal Capacity
5 kWp
Average Specific Yield
526 kWh/kWp
Total Estimated Loss
15.19%
Possible Gain
9% to 20%
CAPEX, OPEX
5.13 ₹/Wp, 0 ₹/Wp/a
Expenditure / Energy
4.8 ₹/kWh to 2.2 ₹/kWh
Abstract
Cables with low bending radius were found. Modules observed to be significantly shaded. It is recommended to (i) optimize the cable layout, (ii) trim surrounding trees and clear tree debris, (iii) retrofit the mounting structure, (iv) add module to module equipotential bonding, and (v) increase inter-row spacing, and (vi) install a weather station or at least an irradiation sensor on the module plane. The estimated production boost expected by the retrofitting actions lies between 9.2% and 20%.
Image gallery
Main Findings
Poor cable management: Cables with low bending radius. Cables and connectors are degraded. Missing string labelling at the module end.
Module to module bonding equipotential missing.
Improper access to the plant through a window.
Tables with varying tilt of 24° and 26°.
Screws and nuts used in the structure
and earthing strips are rusted.
Gap between module and purlin edge is not sufficient (around 50 mm) to hold the modules in the event of high wind loads.
The modules are significantly shaded by the very less inter-row spacing used, and by the presence of trees in immediate vicinity. The modules are also very slightly shaded by a taller room.
No LA found on site.
No weather station identified on site.
The EL image reveals presence of few micro-cracks and manufacturing related defects. These cracks are not expected to impact performance in their given state.
Impact on Performance
Heavy Soiling
Based on the IV curve measurements, the soiling loss is estimated to be 3.2%. Some show presence of cementing.
Estimated Loss
≈ 3.2%
Self Shading
IR analysis reveals hot cells, mostly due to shading by minimal inter-row spacing. This may cause irreversible cell damage.
Estimated Loss
≈ 7.63%
Near Shading
According to PVsyst simulation, the near shading losses account to 7.63%.
Estimated Loss
≈ 4.36%
Total Estimated Energy Loss
≈ 15.19%
Proposed Solutions
Strings, tables, and inverters should have a suitable labelling (UV-resistant).
The cable layout can be optimized; the minimum cable bending radius is 10x the cable diameter.
The trees surrounding the system shall be trimmed if allowed and the objects near the modules shall be removed.
Earthing connections between modules shall be added.
A better plant access to facilitate better O&M access shall be provided.
Modules shall be adjusted to have the same module tilt for all tables.
LA shall be installed on site.
A weather station, or at least an irradiation sensor on the module plane shall be installed.
Rusted components and structure shall be replaced if possible. To prevent such problems, metal objects vulnerable to corrosion can be painted with zinc.
Retrofitting actions on the structure shall be done so that the purlin edges have more gap from the modules.
If possible, the inter-row spacing shall be increased to reduce self-shading losses and further damage from hot cells due to the same.