Challenges and Strategies for Photovoltaic Power Plants Facing Extreme Weather

The Evolving Threat of Extreme Weather

Extreme weather is a global phenomenon and expected to increase in frequency and intensity, with some occurrences now five to seventeen times above historical predictions by authorities like the IPCC, NOAA, and NASA. As the global capacity for photovoltaic (PV) power surpasses 2 terawatts, Ulrike Jahn, the manager of IEA PVPS Task 13, emphasizes the essential need for resilient PV systems, particularly as many are located inareas now recognized as high-risk due to natural catastrophes

Immediate and Delayed Impacts on PV Systems

The immediate effects of extreme weather on PV systems can range from accelerated degradation, greatly reduced power generation due to lack of sunlight during events like heavy cloud cover or storms (e.g. wildfires and extreme heat), to complete destruction of sites (e.g. hurricanes). However, the challenges extend beyond immediate impacts. Over time, the reliability of PV modules and the balance of system components can degrade due to moisture ingress and humidity, leading to under-performance and accelerated degradation.

Operational Challenges and Strategies for PV Systems in Extreme Weather

Ulrike Jahn’s insights, as detailed during her presentation and in the IEA PVPS Task 13 Report "Guidelines for Operation and Maintenance of Photovoltaic Power Plants in Different Climates," highlight the necessity for customized operation and maintenance (O&M) strategies. These strategies address the unique challenges posed by different PV applications and climatic zones, such as:

·????? Flood-Prone Regions: PV systems are often not designed for flood endurance, yet they may be situated in areas that experience frequent flooding. Essential measures include shutting down the plant prior to floods and conducting thorough inspections before reactivation. Flooding risks involve damage to module mounting clips, panel lamination, and foundational erosion. Inverter submersion can lead to severe electrical hazards, while standing water causes soiling damage that is difficult to address.

·????? Cyclonic Regions: Typhoons and cyclones can cause devastating impacts on PV installations, including glass breakage and the disruption of module fixtures due to air pressure changes. Implementing national wind load standards and utilizing wind tunnel tests are crucial for assessing the structural integrity of installations. Regular maintenance of connections and the proactive removal of debris are recommended to mitigate damage.

We need to recognize the reality of global climate change and seize the opportunity to identify best practices and mitigation strategies to ensure that PV power plants are robust and resilient to extreme weather.?

Ulrike Jahn, Task 13 Manager

For more comprehensive guidance on climate-specific O&M programs across various climate conditions, the IEA PVPS Task 13 report serves as an essential resource.

Take-Home Messages on Climate Adaptation for PV Power Plants

?The localized nature of storm impacts necessitates that PV systems be tailored not only to general climatic conditions but also to specific local weather patterns. This approach helps mitigate the severe human and economic costs associated with weather-related disasters in regions like the US, Puerto Rico, and Japan.

?The complexities of changing weather patterns and the increasing occurrence of extreme weather events highlight the importance of global cooperation and knowledge sharing among experts. Developing comprehensive, climate-specific O&M guidelines is critical for enhancing the resilience and efficiency of PV systems across different geographical locations.

?As the adoption of PV technology grows, so does the need for skilled labor capable of installing and maintaining these complex systems under varying environmental conditions. Jahn’s presentation at Intersolar Europe 2024 provided crucial guidelines for the industry, focusing on the necessity of preparing PV installations to face an increasingly unpredictable climate landscape effectively.

About Task 13

IEA PVPS Task 13 engages in focusing the international collaboration in improving the reliability of photovoltaic systems and subsystems by collecting, analyzing and disseminating information on their technical performance and durability, providing a basis for their technical assessment, and developing practical recommendations for improving their electrical and economic output in different climatic regions.

About IEA PVPS

The IEA Photovoltaic Power Systems Programme (PVPS) is one of the collaborative R&D Agreements established within the IEA and, since its establishment in 1993, the PVPS participants have been conducting a variety of joint projects in the application of photovoltaic conversion of solar energy into electricity.