Why are I-V curves important in photovoltaic efficiency?
I-V curves are essential for evaluating the electrical performance of solar panels and determining their maximum power point. These curves represent the relationship between a photovoltaic module's current (I) and voltage (V) under specific irradiance and temperature conditions. Companies and laboratories use this analysis frequently to offer operation and maintenance services to photovoltaic plants.
Solar Panel Performance Issues
Solar panels can experience poor performance due to various factors, including partial shading, hot spots, dirt, deterioration, bypass diode failures, poor design, and limited maintenance [1]. According to a report by the American company Raptor Maps, anomalies in photovoltaic systems, primarily those associated with cells and diodes, have doubled between 2019 and 2022, projected to reach 6% for large-scale solar systems by 2025 [2]. Although, in some cases, it has been reported as high as 12.1% [3].
Economic Impact of Photovoltaic System Failures
Average annual losses are approximately $3,350 per megawatt. This data highlights the need for owners and managers of these assets to implement more frequent monitoring.
Machine Learning in I-V Curve Analysis: A Growing Trend
Optimizing Anomaly Diagnosis with AI
Using machine learning models is a trend among companies seeking to increase the accuracy and efficiency of I-V curve evaluation during solar panel monitoring [4]. In this context, companies like Huawei have launched innovative products such as the Smart I-V Curve Diagnosis 3.0 system, which can detect 14 types of anomalies, ensuring inspections in less time and with 100% accuracy [3]. Furthermore, real-time monitoring through machine learning offers significant potential for predicting and detecting early deficiencies.
Success Stories at ITIC-GROUP: Innovation in the Photovoltaic Sector
At ITIC-GROUP, we have extensive experience and capabilities to address diverse needs in the photovoltaic sector. We have worked with multiple photovoltaic solar plants, providing valuable information by identifying faults through I-V curve analysis, which enables enhanced performance.
Our I-V Curve Services
At ITIC-GROUP, we possess sophisticated equipment capable of covering any photovoltaic capacity in the Americas region, addressing monofacial and bifacial panels.
We are currently developing our machine learning models to assist our technicians in detecting anomalies and ensuring more accurate I-V curve evaluations, thereby optimizing the efficiency and maintenance of solar panels.
Contact us in USA
Contact us in USA
Get in touch with our team.
References
[1] K. Hasan, S. B. Yousuf, M. S. H. K. Tushar, B. K. Das, P. Das, and M. S. Islam, "Effects of different environmental and operational factors on the PV performance: A comprehensive review," Energy Sci. Eng., vol. 10, no. 2, pp. 656–675, Feb. 2022, doi: 10.1002/ESE3.1043.
[2] B. Santos, "Raptor Maps indicates the growing problem of low performance in photovoltaic systems," PV magazine, 2023. https://www.pv-magazine.es/2023/03/07/raptor-maps-senala-el-creciente-problema-del-bajo-rendimiento-de-los-sistemas-fotovoltaicos/ (accessed Feb. 18, 2025).
[3] "What is Smart I-V Curve Diagnosis?," Ambiente Soluciones. https://ambientesoluciones.com/portal/noticias-de-actualidad/que-es-el-diagnostico-inteligente-de-la-curva-i-v (accessed Feb. 18, 2025).
[4] E. Stanzani et al., "Application of Machine Learning to Predict I-V Characteristics of PV Modules Based on Steady-State Solar Simulator," Jun. 2024, doi: 10.20944/PREPRINTS202406.0748.V1.
- Aníbal Alviz Meza.
- ITIC-GROUP