Qualification Testing and Analysis of Photovoltaic Module Reliability: A 2-Year Study in Indonesia

Oo Abdul Rosyid, Nelly Malik Lande, Andrianshah Priyadi, Hartadhi Hartadhi, Anita Faradilla, Lili Sapinah, Ahmad Fudholi

Abstract


A solar photovoltaic (PV) power plant plays a vital role in meeting the growing demand for sustainable electricity. The reliability of such systems depends heavily on the quality of PV modules. This study presents a two-year qualification test of PV modules conducted at the BRIN PV Laboratory in Indonesia. A total of 168 modules representing more than 14 designs from local and imported manufacturers were evaluated for installation in a 71 kWp solar power plant. Results showed that 43% of modules failed to meet the required standards, with local products contributing to 83.3% of failures. Major defects included wet leakage current (59%), cell metallization burn (12%), glass breakage (8%), back sheet delamination (8%), and other issues such as soldering defects and junction box malfunctions (8%). Some modules exhibited more than 5% degradation in maximum power output by the end of the study. These findings highlight the importance of strict quality control, proper raw material selection, and careful handling throughout manufacturing and deployment. The study recommends strengthening quality assurance protocols and improving material selection to reduce failure rates. Enhancing module reliability is essential for ensuring durable PV systems and supporting the global transition to clean and sustainable energy.


Keywords


photovoltaics; PV module; crystalline silicon; qualification testing; reliability; performance

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DOI (PDF): https://doi.org/10.20508/ijrer.v16i2.14779.g9208

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