Investigation of degradation observed on recent polycrystalline silicon PV modules installed in desert region

Reliability and durability of PV modules installed recently, especially in the desert regions, are unclear because they have been in operation for a short period. In this paper, we investigated the degradation of four types of polycrystalline silicon modules from different manufacturer installed in desert climatic conditions of Dubai. For each type, the annual degradation rate was calculated using indoor IV curves measured under STC conditions before installation and after more than 3 years of operation in the field. Eight out of the 16 PV modules installed in the field during the year 2015 showed acceptable degradation rate of less than 0.8%/yr. The PV panels made by Manufacturer, A-gb showed promising results with 3 out of their 4 modules showing less than 0.2%/yr in the field. Modules from Manufacturer, D-gg showed higher Pmax degradation due to optical losses, resulting from abrasion of sand.