Nuclear energy is being a serious mistake, and we are continuing to develop it. However, our great alternative (and hope) seems to be picking up so far. A think tank has issued a stark warning: it could be the end of photovoltaics due to an unexpected threat the world is facing. It’s coming right from space, and it’s as imminent as it is unstoppable, all because of us. What’s happening, and why do we have reason to worry? We explain it in detail, with expert opinions on the subject.
America could run out of photovoltaics: The most futuristic and clean energy is not for us
Recently, the National Renewable Energy Laboratory has conducted a detailed assessment of the photovoltaic (PV) systems in the United States. Their findings offer valuable insights into the long-term reliability and resilience of solar energy infrastructure:
The study used data from close to 2500 PV installations on the commercial-utility scale located in 37 states and US territories and 25,000 inverters.
From this, NREL identified its reference system median performance loss at a national level of 0.
On average, the depreciation rates vary as follows (per year):
Micro-hydro 60%.
Wind 80%.
PV systems 75%.
This degradation rate is consistent with the data gotten from other studies and is within the expected range of the power output of solar panels.
Although any rate of performance decay is undesirable, such a slow rate is a relief, as it implies that the PV systems are operating as they were intended, and can handle even some of the worst environments.
Experts are on edge with this threat that comes from the sky: It’s imminent, and it’s our fault
The study revealed interesting variations in degradation rates based on climate:
The PV system installation in the warmer climatic regions lost about double compared to the cooler regions.
Hot climate zones: 0.88% annual loss.
Cool climate zones: 0.48% annual loss.
This difference reemphasizes the need to factor in the local climate in the design and particularly in the management of the solar installations. But as you may expect, the degradation rates increase with temperature; however, they have not reached alarming levels that may endanger the whole premise of photovoltaic technology.
NREL researchers also examined the impact of specific extreme weather events on PV system performance:
Flooding: Ordinary caused a huge reduction in energy production during the month of the event, which was recorded.
High winds: Led to a 1. A reduction of 2% in energy output from renewable energy sources.
Hail: It led to a 0.8% reduction in performance.
Of course, there are such effects, but it is important to note that they are rather subtle and disappear shortly after the training. Often, after such events, most systems are successfully restored, proving the reliability of modern solar technology.
How can photovoltaics change in America? Not in a good way, as the planet is “burning”
The NREL study provides crucial data for the solar industry and policymakers:
The actual degradation rates, assist in the confirmation of the financial models applied to the funding of solar projects.
Sensitivity of the performance data to regional characteristics may help to improve the system designs or maintenance procedures.
One can derive optimism regarding the long-term reliability of PV systems from this experience of ferocious weather disturbances.
Chris Deline, a group manager for PV field performance at NREL, emphasized the positive implications of these findings:
This median loss in performance is a key number. Firstly, it will reveal that, on average, our fleet of PV systems is not deteriorating disastrously but rather in line with fairly low expectations.
This statement affirms the fact that although degradation is taking place, it is not a time to panic or call it quits for the solar energy business in the United States of America.
What could be defined as the end of photovoltaics in America is one step away from being a matter of national concern. At present, it represents a very important part of our electricity production from clean sources, and an alternative to oil extraction. Moreover, the Alaska-California tandem is balancing out, and all indications are that self-consumption in the southern state will eventually become a nationwide trend, so we can still be optimistic.
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Publish date : 2024-08-24 13:00:00
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