Solar Photovoltaic Panels Failures Causing Power Losses: A Review

Abstract

During its operation time, a photovoltaic (PV) array can be influenced by many factors that can reduce its performance. Consequently, the global yield of the array decreases, induced by photovoltaic faults and failures. It is then an essential matter for manufacturers and consumers, to know and apprehend these factors. In this paper, we investigate different faults affecting a photovoltaic system, from those detectable by visual inspection to those barely noticeable with an eye. To detect such faults, an overview of methodologies commonly used and new existing ones like the synchronized thermography is done.