Visual and electrical degradation data of five years aged rooftop photovoltaic modules

Sun light as a renewable energy resource is getting popular day by day. Power production from a solar power plant is extensively dependent on the weather condition, daylight duration, available sunlight, air quality etc. Thus installation of large scale solar power plant requires long term feasibility study, previous five years weather data, lifetime of the solar panel, projected maintenance requirement and man power. In this survey we have visited several sites of roof top solar power plants in the Dhaka city which are aged at least five years. Firstly, we have conducted visual study of the solar panels on the roof top for visible degradation due to environment and ageing. Then we have measured Current-Voltage characteristics under sun light using portable PV-200 Seaward I-V Tracer. The Current-Voltage data were analyzed using ‘Seaward Solar Chart’ data analysis tool. The tool was used to plot Current-Voltage and Power-Voltage curves. From the data we have estimated the Standard Test Condition (STC) power, Fill Factor (F.F) and Efficiency of selected photovoltaic modules. To get a clear view over the experience of installed rooftop solar photovoltaic modules in Dhaka city, the data will be useful. The data will help us to project the challenges and provide a guide line to maintain an economically viable solar photovoltaic installation.