What goes wrong in solar plants, and how to find out why.
Causes below are possibilities. Only measurements on your plant can confirm which applies.
Generation is below what was promised
Monthly units are lower than the design estimate and lower than similar plants nearby.
Possible causes: Soiling, shading, string mismatch, module damage, inverter issues, grid curtailment.
Test that can explain it: Performance and loss analysis →Dust and bird droppings keep coming back
Output swings with the cleaning calendar.
Possible causes: Too little cleaning, poor cleaning method, water shortage, bird droppings causing local hotspots.
Test that can explain it: Performance and loss analysis →Hotspots and burnt cells
Discoloured cells or modules that run much hotter than neighbours.
Possible causes: Cell cracks, bypass diode faults, partial shading, loose connectors.
Test that can explain it: Thermography →Cracks you cannot see
Output loss with nothing visible on the glass.
Possible causes: Microcracks from transport, installation or hail, and poor solder joints.
Test that can explain it: Electroluminescence (EL) imaging →Inverter trips and derating
Alarms in the afternoon, one inverter producing less than its twins.
Possible causes: Heat, cooling faults, grid voltage, insulation faults, ageing components.
Test that can explain it: Inverter diagnostics →Faster ageing than the warranty curve
Power falls year after year faster than expected.
Possible causes: PID, light-induced degradation, delamination, corrosion.
Test that can explain it: PID and degradation testing →Strings that do not match
Some strings carry noticeably less current.
Possible causes: Weak modules, shading, loose or corroded connectors, damaged cables.
Test that can explain it: IV curve tracing →Earth faults and insulation alarms
Inverters stop with ground-fault warnings, especially after rain.
Possible causes: Damaged cable insulation, rodents, moisture, poor earthing.
Test that can explain it: Insulation and earthing tests →Maintenance reports say everything is fine
Reports show uptime and cleaning but not what each string delivers.
Possible causes: Contract measures tasks not results, skills gaps, no test instruments, OEM support gone.
Test that can explain it: O&M audit and annual maintenance →A lender, buyer or insurer wants proof
You need an independent view of the plant's technical health.
Possible causes: Refinancing, sale, insurance claim or contract dispute.
Test that can explain it: Engineering, due diligence and LIE →Which of these is yours?
Describe the symptom. We will suggest the tests that fit.