Thermal imaging-enabled failure detection of solar cells

Abstract

This paper presents a method to improve the operation of solar power plants. Solar power plants do not operate at a constant power level, their operation varies cyclically according to the number of sunny hours. As a result, they are only able to produce 10-15% of their nominal annual output. This number can be further reduced due to improper operating conditions due to power loss caused by faulty solar modules. Thermal imaging tests are an effective and remunerative troubleshooting method, which will receive increasing attention in the operation of the solar power plant in the coming years.