Case study on degradation of 8-year-old BiPV modules in Bangalore, India

The current study conducts a post-facto performance assessment of 8-year-old monocrystalline panels, with an aim to correlate the observed visual defects/degradation with performance.These panels were installed as a BIPV roof in Bangalore. The study involved a visual inspection with concurrent IV curve measurements and thermal imaging. The severity of various degradations observed were attempted to be studied in conjunction with the panel performance. Preliminary investigation revealed a weak correlation between the performance of the panels and the severity of visual defects. The performance of each panel was compared with an unused spare panelwith no observable defects. The study provides a basis for further investigation into the roleof physical defects on PV performance.