In large-scale solar power plants, EPC solar projects, government new energy procurement programs, and new energy infrastructure projects undertaken by construction companies, selecting the right solar panels (Solar modules) is critical to ensuring long-term stable operation and return on investment of the Solar system.
Many procurement professionals focus only on module price and rated power when selecting solar modules. However, during actual operation, a range of issues can severely reduce power generation efficiency, such as:
Solar module power degradation
Potential Induced Degradation (PID)
Module mismatch loss
High temperature performance loss
Impact of dust, sand, and salt spray environments
Failure to account for these factors during module selection, system design, and construction can lead to reduced power output and compromised economic returns for the entire solar project.
Solar Panel Hot Spot Issues
What is a Solar Panel Hot Spot?
A solar panel hot spot refers to localized overheating in a solar module caused by abnormal current flow.
Reduced power generation efficiency
Accelerated cell aging
Module damage
Fire risk in extreme cases
Hot spots are among the most common module failures in large solar power plants and EPC solar projects.
Partial Shading
Common sources of shading include:
Dust
Bird droppings
Leaves
Building shadows
Solar mounting structure shading
When part of a cell is shaded, it stops generating power and consumes current, creating heat.
Differences in short-circuit current (Isc) or maximum power point current (Imp) between cells create internal current mismatch and localized overheating.
Bypass diodes are critical protective components in solar modules.
Damaged or low-quality diodes fail to bypass current under partial shading, leading to hot spots.
Microcracks caused during transportation or installation result in abnormal current distribution.
Cold soldering of ribbons or interconnects increases resistance and creates localized hot spots.
Regular cleaning of solar module surfaces
Rational solar array layout design
Selection of modules with highly consistent cells
Use of high-quality bypass diodes
System design by professional solar engineering teams
Solar Module Power Degradation Issues
Solar modules experience various types of power degradation during long-term operation.
LID mainly occurs in the initial operation stage of PERC modules.
Typical first-year degradation:
1%–3%
Caused by boron-oxygen complex reactions in silicon wafers.
Solutions:
Use low-LID cell technology
Choose advanced TOPCon modules
PID typically occurs in high-voltage solar systems.
Can cause:
Up to 30% power loss
Solutions:
Use PID-resistant modules
Proper grounding design
Install PID recovery devices
LeTID mainly affects PERC modules in high-temperature regions.
Can cause:
3%–10% additional degradation
Solutions:
Use advanced cell passivation technology
Select high-quality modules
Common Issues in solar Power Plant System Design
Even with high-quality solar modules, poor system design reduces power generation efficiency.
Module Mismatch Loss
Series connection of modules with different electrical performance causes mismatch loss.
Typical loss:
1%–4%
Solutions:
Install modules from the same batch
Implement module binning management
Insufficient cable cross-section or excessive line length causes power loss.
Typical loss:
2%–5%
Solutions:Select appropriate cable cross-sections
Optimize solar array layout
Improper inverter capacity configuration reduces system efficiency.
Solution:
Perform professional solar system design calculations.
Impact of Extreme Environments on solar Modules
High-Temperature EnvironmentsTypical temperature coefficient of solar modules:
-0.35% / °C
In high-temperature areas, module temperatures reaching 60°C significantly reduce efficiency.
Solution: Choose modules with a low temperature coefficient.
In solar plants in the Middle East and Africa, dust can cause:
5%–30% power loss
Solutions:
Automatic cleaning systems
Anti-dust glass
Salt Spray and Humid Environments
Coastal solar plants are vulnerable to salt spray corrosion.
Solutions:Double-glass modules
Encapsulation with highly corrosion-resistant materials
Common O&M Issues in solar Power Plants
During operation, common issues include:
Dust accumulation on solar modules
Loose cable connections
Overheating junction boxes
Cable aging
Regular operation and maintenance improves system stability.
International Certification Requirements for solar Modules
For overseas solar projects and government procurement programs, solar modules typically require certifications such as:
CE
TÜV
ISO
SABER
These certifications support project approval and export customs clearance.
FAQ | Frequently Asked Questions about solar Panels
Usually caused by partial shading, cell mismatch, bypass diode failure, or module microcracks.
Degradation is often caused by LID, PID, and high-temperature environments during long-term operation.
We recommend modules with a low temperature coefficient and excellent high-temperature resistance.
About Kototerk
Kototerk specializes in solar infrastructure products and new energy solutions.
With over 20 years of experience in manufacturing solar streetlights and solar application products, the company provides solar modules and system solutions for global new energy projects.
EPC solar projects
Government new energy infrastructure programs
Overseas solar power plant construction
Urban solar lighting systems
Post time:Mar - 12 - 2026
