Long-term Performance Assessment of Multiple Photovoltaic Technologies Near the Equator

Bendezú, Miguel Ángel Sevillano, Mendoza, Luis Angel Conde, Abanto, Jose Ruben Angulo, Higueras, Juan de La Casa, Ripalda, José María, Töfflinger, Jan Amaru Palomino

ISES Solar World Congress 2025 · Fortaleza, Brazil · 2025-11-03
Published by International Solar Energy Society (ISES)

Abstract

This study presents a comprehensive long-term performance assessment of eight photovoltaic (PV) module technologies in a subtropical desert environment near the equator (Lima, Peru). Over five years, the performance of crystalline silicon (c-Si) and thin-film modules was evaluated through measured outdoor I-V curves. Results reveal significant climatic impacts, with thermal and spectral variations affecting the Module Performance Ratio (MPR). The c-Si modules experienced thermal losses between -2.7% and -4.3%, while thin-film modules ranged from -2.2% to -2.6%. Spectral variations induced losses in mono-Si modules between -0.7% and -1.5%, yet an amorphous silicon module exhibited spectral gains of +5.7%. Using an ensemble statistical approach, we derived consistent Performance Loss Rates (PLRs), with c-Si modules showing degradation rates from -0.9% to -1.6% per year. Comparative benchmarking identifies the HIT module as demonstrating superior long-term performance relative to newer IBC and PERT  modules.

Keywords

Photovoltaic technologies, Outdoor I-V measurements, Long-term performance, Performance Loss Rate, Spectral impacts, Thermal impacts.

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