Site 2.34
Site ID
2.34
Health
COD
2018
Nominal Capacity
10 kWp
Average Specific Yield
1044 kWh/kWp
Total Estimated Loss
23.33%
Possible Gain
6% to 19%
CAPEX, OPEX
5.9 ₹/Wp, 0 ₹/Wp/a
Expenditure / Energy
4.4 ₹/kWh to 1.4 ₹/kWh
Abstract
Loosely hanging cables with low bending radius were found. Some modules with manufacturing issues found on site. It is recommended to (i) optimize the cable layout, (ii) increase cleaning cycles, (iii) replace damaged modules and re-sort lower performing modules, (iv) retrofit the mounting structure, (v) add module to module equipotential bonding, 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 6% and 19%.
Image gallery
Main Findings
Poor cable management: Loosely hanging cables with low bending radius. Missing string labelling at the module end.
Some cable conduits are broken.
Manufacturing issues of busbar misalignment and improper sealant observed on modules.
Cement remains stuck on module glass.
Screws, nuts, and purlins used in the structure are rusted.
Structure purlins slightly sagging due to larger spacing between ballast blocks used.
Module misalignment observed due to vertical post not fixed at the center of ballast block.
Module to module equipotential bonding missing.
Staircase room gives uneasy access and causes module shading.
No weather station and LA found on site.
IR analysis reveals hot cells from cementing and the stuck cement remains, which can cause permanent cell damage.
Impact on Performance
Heavy Soiling
Based on the IV curve measurements, the soiling loss is estimated to be 1.3%. Modules are soiled from cementing.
Estimated Loss
≈ 1.3%
Cell Cracks
The EL image reveals presence of cracks, scratches, and isolated parts, indicating issues from transportation or handling. These may contribute to power loss and hotspots formation during operation.
Estimated Loss
≈ 8%
Underperformance
Based on the IV curve measurements, the estimated underperformance is 10% for the measured modules.
Estimated Loss
≈ 10%
Near Shading
According to PVsyst simulation, the near shading losses account to 2.31%.
Estimated Loss
≈ 2.31%
Total Estimated Energy Loss
≈ 23.33%
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.
Daily effective cleaning is recommended to address cementing and due to presence of school playground in plant’s vicinity.
Severely damaged modules and module with stuck cement remains shall be replaced to reduce further performance loss.
A re-sorting shall be conducted to have lower performing modules in the same string or at least assigned to individual MPPT.
A weather station, or at least an irradiation sensor on the module plane shall be installed.
Earthing connections between modules shall be added.
If possible, tables shall be moved to the left to reduce shading by the staircase room at the expense of increased cable length.
Rusted component and structure shall be replaced if possible. To prevent such problems, metal objects vulnerable to corrosion can be painted with zinc. Ballast blocks shall be replaced to reduce purlin sagging and vertical posts properly fixed.