Solar Photovoltaic Systems: A Review of Risks, Fault Detection, and Mitigation Strategies

Solar Photovoltaic Systems have been widely adopted and integrated into several facets in the built environment, owing to the clean energy generated from it. However, just like every other technological innovation, risks and failure mode are inherent. This review examines the risks associated with Solar Photovoltaic (PV) systems, covering Building-Applied PV (BAPV), Building-Integrated PV (BIPV), off-grid, and on-grid applications. This paper presents a thorough review of the several potential risks, failure detection methods, risk assessment methods and mitigation strategies associated with solar PV systems. The study identifies several failure modes, including encapsulant degradation, inverter failures, potential-induced degradation (PID), and overheating, which significantly impact system performance and reliability. The review categorizes risks into technical, environmental and operational areas and highlights the influence of factors such as temperature, humidity and dust accumulation on energy output. Detection mechanisms are explored, with a focus on data-driven approaches, particularly machine learning and deep learning techniques, which have emerged as the most researched methods for fault detection. Additionally, the review examines risk assessment methodologies, including failure mode and effects analysis (FMEA), fault tree analysis (FTA), and fuzzy logic, and emphasizes the importance of a multi-faceted approach to risk management of solar PV systems. Remedial strategies such as preventative maintenance, investment in high-quality components and design optimization are discussed as essential measures to improve the reliability of solar PV systems. This comprehensive review highlights the need for ongoing research to address the unique risks associated with solar PV systems and to develop standardized protocols for effective risk management that ultimately contribute to the sustainability and efficiency of solar energy systems. This study serves as a valuable resource for stakeholders, including researchers, engineers, and policymakers, by offering insights that can guide future interventions and enhance the overall efficiency of solar PV systems.