Fault Analysis and Field Experiences of Central Inverter Based 2 MW PV Plant

Reliability of photovoltaic (PV) components, systems and operation plays significant role in marketability of PV power plants. In that regard special attention should be given to the activities oriented at reliability improvement. Considering the quantity of parameters that could influence the operation of PV system, a number of different fault manifestations can be expected. The paper presents a classification of photovoltaic (PV) power system faults and has a root cause analysis oriented towards reliability improvement and thereby being able to reduce the overall capital and operational cost. The analysis is based on long-term field experience of operation and maintenance (O&M) of a central inverter based 2 MW PV power plant. Practical reliability improvement suggestions are also given.