Effects of failures and maintenance on photovoltaic system performance

A simulation program was used to investigate the effects of failures and maintenance on one photovoltaic power system's simulated performance. The effects of module, panel, and string failures on power and energy production were simulated using software developed by the Southwest Technology Development Institute. The effects of maintenance at different levels and intervals were then simulated and the following conclusions reached: maintenance increases revenues if module replacement is not required; revenues increase with frequency of maintenance; and the benefits from maintenance decrease as failure rates increase.<>