PVRPM in Python: An overview of new capabilities

The value of investing in advanced monitoring capabilities in photovoltaic (PV) power plants is not clearly defined. Still, monitoring is essential due to the impact defective components can have on a system's energy output and hence, the levelized cost of energy (LCOE). This study introduces a new iteration of a reliablity model capable of simulating a component level analysis; a Python-based PV reliability performance model (Py- PVRPM). This tool was translated into a Python environment allowing for additional improvements on multi-component level observations and overall computational performance. With this update, real-time and reactive monitoring techniques were studied focusing on the cost-effectiveness of cross component level monitoring and aerial infrared drone imaging.