Installation faults and analysis of photovoltaic solar power plants

Installation Errors and Analysis in Photovoltaic Solar Power Plants Master's thesis investigates the electrical, mechanical, and structural installation errors commonly observed in photovoltaic (FV) solar power plants and analyzes their impacts on system performance. The research provides a detailed categorization of installation faults in FV systems and reviews similar cases reported in the literature. For instance, a recent survey found thermal defects in 36.5% of inspected FV modules in the UK, including hotspots and heated substringsnature.com, highlighting the prevalence of hidden faults. In this study, a case analysis is conducted on Yaytaş Solar Power Plant, a 13.96 MWp single-axis tracking FV facility in Diyarbakır, Turkeysmartsolar.com.tr. A field survey was performed using infrared thermography, I-V curve tracing, and electroluminescence (EL) imaging to identify installation-related issues. The functions of these diagnostic tests in detecting installation faults are emphasized – thermal imaging for hotspots, I-V curves for electrical mismatches, and EL for microcracks and cell-level defects. Findings reveal various installation mistakes, such as improper electrical connections and inadequate mechanical mounting, which led to performance losses and potential safety hazards. These results are compared with those in existing literature to underscore common industry-wide issues. The thesis discusses how each identified fault contributes to efficiency reduction and outlines quality control measures to detect or prevent such issues (e.g., commissioning tests, regular inspections). In conclusion, recommendations are provided to improve installation practices, including better training for installers, adherence to standards, and enhanced maintenance protocols. This comprehensive study aims to contribute to improved reliability and yield in FV power plants by minimizing installation errors. Keywords: Photovoltaic system, installation fault, solar energy, efficiency, field analysis