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A Reliability and Risk Assessment of Solar Photovoltaic Panels Using a Failure Mode and Effects Analysis Approach: A Case Study

Author

Listed:
  • Rajkumar Bhimgonda Patil

    (Department of Mechanical Engineering, Dwarkadas J. Sanghvi College of Engineering, Ville Parle (West), Mumbai 400056, India)

  • Arun Khalkar

    (Department of Applied Sciences and Humanities, Pimpri Chinchwad College of Engineering (PCCOE), Pune 411044, India)

  • Sameer Al-Dahidi

    (Department of Mechanical and Maintenance Engineering, School of Applied Technical Sciences, German Jordanian University, Amman 11180, Jordan)

  • Rita S. Pimpalkar

    (Department of Mechanical Engineering, Pimpri Chinchwad College of Engineering (PCCOE), Pune 411044, India)

  • Sheetal Bhandari

    (Department of Electronics and Telecommunication, Pimpri Chinchwad College of Engineering (PCCOE), Pune 411044, India)

  • Michael Pecht

    (Center for Advanced Life Cycle Engineering (CALCE), University of Maryland, College Park, MD 20742, USA)

Abstract

Solar photovoltaic (PV) systems are becoming increasingly popular because they offer a sustainable and cost-effective solution for generating electricity. PV panels are the most critical components of PV systems as they convert solar energy into electric energy. Therefore, analyzing their reliability, risk, safety, and degradation is crucial to ensuring continuous electricity generation based on its intended capacity. This paper develops a failure mode and effects analysis (FMEA) methodology to assess the reliability of and risk associated with polycrystalline PV panels. Generalized severity, occurrence, and detection rating criteria are developed that can be used to analyze various solar PV systems as they are or with few modifications. The analysis is based on various data sources, including field failures, literature reviews, testing, and expert evaluations. Generalized severity, occurrence, and detection rating tables are developed and applied to solar panels to estimate the risk priority number (RPN) and the overall risk value. The results show that the encapsulant, junction box, and failures due to external events are the most critical components from both the RPN and risk perspectives. Delamination and soiling are the panels’ most critical FMs, with RPN values of 224 and 140, respectively, contributing 16.2% to the total RPN. Further, moderately critical FMs are also identified which contribute 56.3% to the RPN. The encapsulant is the most critical component, with RPN and risk values of 940 (40.30%) and 145 (23.40%), respectively. This work crucially contributes to sustainable energy practices by enhancing the reliability of solar PV systems, thus reducing potential operational inefficiencies. Additionally, recommendations are provided to enhance system reliability and minimize the likelihood and severity of consequences.

Suggested Citation

  • Rajkumar Bhimgonda Patil & Arun Khalkar & Sameer Al-Dahidi & Rita S. Pimpalkar & Sheetal Bhandari & Michael Pecht, 2024. "A Reliability and Risk Assessment of Solar Photovoltaic Panels Using a Failure Mode and Effects Analysis Approach: A Case Study," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 16(10), pages 1-27, May.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jsusta:v:16:y:2024:i:10:p:4183-:d:1395979
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    5. Daruez Afonso & Oumaima Mesbahi & Amal Bouich & Mouhaydine Tlemçani, 2025. "Influence of Long-Term and Short-Term Solar Radiation and Temperature Exposure on the Material Properties and Performance of Photovoltaic Panels: A Comprehensive Review," Energies, MDPI, vol. 18(19), pages 1-33, September.

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