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Failure Analysis and Fault Detection in Solar Panels

Solar energy

Solar energy systems

Solar energy is widely used today as an environmentally friendly and sustainable energy source. Solar panels are the main components that convert solar energy into electricity and although they are long-lasting, failures can occur over time and due to various factors.

Working Principle of Solar Panels:

Solar energy is harvested by solar panels when photons in semiconductor materials release electrons. The electrons create an electric current and power is generated at the end of this current. Solar panels are combined with parallel or series connections to achieve the desired power level.

Common Failures in Solar Panels:

a. Broken or Cracked Panels: Cracks or fractures can occur in solar panels as a result of physical impact, bad weather conditions or installation errors. This reduces the efficiency of the panels and can even stop electricity generation.

b. Shading Problems: Surrounding structures, trees or other obstacles can cast shadows on solar panels. In shadowed areas, production is reduced and some cells are damaged.

c. Power Drop or Reduction in Electrical Efficiency: Long-term use of solar panels can cause power degradation due to stratification, dust accumulation or aging of the cells.

d. Problems with Connection Points: Loosening or corrosion can occur at the connection points of the panels, which can affect energy transmission.

e. Leaks and Moisture Related Problems: Poor quality sealants or improper installation can allow moisture to seep into the panels and cause damage.

Failure Analysis Methods:

a. Thermal Inspection: Regular visual inspection of solar panels provides early detection of problems such as fractures, cracks, contamination or shading.

b. Electrical Tests: The electrical efficiency and connections of the panels are checked using multimeters and other test devices.

c. Weather Monitoring: The efficiency of solar panels can be affected by weather conditions. With weather monitoring, the performance of the panels is monitored on sunny days.

Fault Detection and Troubleshooting:

a. Repair of Broken or Cracked Panels: Minor cracks or fractures can be repaired using appropriate repair materials. In cases of serious damage, the panel may need to be replaced.

b. Troubleshooting Ghosting Problems: Shading problems can be solved by revisiting the panel installation and removing obstructions.

c. Elimination of Power Drop and Efficiency Problems: Power drop and efficiency issues can be reduced by cleaning, maintaining and upgrading the panels.

d. Checking Connection Points: It is important to periodically check the connection points and re-tighten or renew them as necessary.

e. Solving Leakage and Moisture Problems: In case of leakage, repairs should be made using appropriate sealants and moisture should be prevented from damaging the panels.

Importance of Solar Panel Maintenance:

Regular maintenance is important to extend the life and increase the efficiency of solar panels. Maintenance should be performed several times a year with cleaning, thermal inspection and electrical testing.

Professional Support:

In case of complex malfunctions or maintenance operations, it is beneficial to be carried out by experts. Professional technicians are experts in detecting and solving malfunctions in solar panels.

Thermal Inspection in Solar Power Plants: A Critical Tool to Improve Efficiency

Solar energy plays an important role as a low carbon and environmentally friendly energy source. Solar power plants are facilities that convert solar energy into electricity on a large scale. Thermal inspection of solar power plants is an effective tool used to monitor the performance of the plants and detect potential problems.

What is Thermal Inspection of Solar Power Plants?

Thermal inspection of solar power plants is the analysis of the surface temperatures of panels and equipment using a thermal drone. By detecting potential efficiency losses in the power plant, thermal inspection aims to increase energy production and optimize maintenance processes.

MapperX: Software for Automatic Fault Detection and Efficiency Improvement in Solar Power Plants

MapperX is a software developed for automatic fault detection of solar energy systems. By processing thermal inspection data, it improves the performance of SPP plants and detects faults with the highest accuracy. MapperX saves time by making maintenance processes more efficient and provides recommendations to improve performance.

By analyzing the data provided by thermal drones, MapperX identifies potential problems in solar power plants. By processing thermal images, problems such as potential faults, overheating, shading or panel performance degradation are identified. The data is presented in a user-friendly interface and is easily understood by maintenance teams. Visit the website to learn more about “Fault and Damage Detection in Solar Panels