Temperature distribution analysis of different technologies of PV modules using infrared thermography

Abstract

Photovoltaic systems are designed to operate for a very long time according to the modules’ warranty that guarantees at least of 80% of the nominal power production after 20 years of use. In order to assure the continuous power production with a high level for a long time, thermographic analysis should be performed to detect incipient anomalies in individual modules and junction boxes. This safe, convenient and noncontact method allows carrying out the inspection for working system without any contact with live wiring and without disconnecting the PV systems. Temperature distribution of the module surface can reveal many different types of anomalies, i.e. hot spots caused by local shading, microcracking or cell breakage. This paper shows the results of the infrared thermography analysis of the operating PV systems consisting of different technological modules: polycrystalline silicon (pc-Si), copper indium gallium diselenide (CIGS) and cadmium telluride (CdTe). The average working temperature of each different kind of technological module as well as overheated areas were investigated in this study. Temperature of the MC4 connectors was also analysed.