Site 2.56
Site ID
2.56
Health
COD
2017
Nominal Capacity
72 kWp
Average Specific Yield
664 kWh/kWp
Total Estimated Loss
21.27%
Possible Gain
10% to 20%
CAPEX, OPEX
1.68 ₹/Wp, 0 ₹/Wp/a
Expenditure / Energy
1.2 ₹/kWh to 0.6 ₹/kWh
Abstract
Loosely hanging cables with low bending radius were found. Damaged modules that pose performance and safety threat found on-site. It is recommended to (i) optimize the cable layout, (ii) improve cleaning activity, (iii) replace damaged modules and re-string shaded modules (iv) retrofit the mounting structure, (v) clean inverter fans and filters more frequently, 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 10.2% and 20%.
Image gallery
Main Findings
Poor cable management: Loosely hanging cables with low bending radius. Missing string labelling. Additionally, the cables are degrading and conduits are broken.
Several cable conduits are broken.
Cement remains and scratches found on
moduleglass.
Modules with broken glass, broken backsheet, burned backsheet, and open J-box found on-site.
Inverter fans and filters are severely soiled.
Screws and bolts used in the structure are rusted.
Modules are shaded by taller rooms, chiller structures, and exhaust ducts running above the system.
No weather station found on site.
IR analysis reveals hot cells from cementing.
Modules were not soiled due to frequent rains, however module cementing was observed.
Impact on Performance
Cell Cracks
The EL image reveals presence of cracks, and soldering issues from manufacturing. These defects are not expected to impact performance in their given state.
Estimated Loss
≈ 5%
Underperformance
Based on the IV curve measurements, the estimated underperformance is 4.7% for the measured modules.
Estimated Loss
≈ 4.7%
Near Shading
According to PVsyst simulation, the near shading losses account to 3.49%.
Estimated Loss
≈ 3.49%
Inhomogeneous tilt angle
According to PVsyst simulation, the tilt accounts to 3.9% losses relative to the optimal tilt.
Estimated Loss
≈ 3.9%
Total Estimated Energy Loss
≈ 21.27%
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.
A more effective cleaning is recommended to address module cementing.
Damaged modules and modules with cement remains shall be replaced as they pose performance and safety threat.
Inverter fans and filters shall be cleaned more frequently.
Rusted components shall be replaced if possible. To prevent such problems, metal objects vulnerable to corrosion can be painted with zinc.
A re-stringing shall be conducted to have shaded modules in the same string.
Module tilt shall be changed to optimal tilt of 30°.
Ideally, the exhaust duct system shall be re-routed since they cause permanent module shading.
A weather station, or at least an irradiation sensor on the module plane shall be installed.