Within the solar procurement value chain, material selection is not something that happens as part of normal purchasing activities on a day-to-day or project-to-project basis. Material selection is rather a make-or-break criterion that determines the technical feasibility, economic viability, and reliability required as part of any project undertaken on the procurement value chain. Although solar power plants are designed to remain effective for the next 25-30 years, the application of substandard material may result in bringing down this time to merely a decade or so in certain cases.
The operating environment for a solar plant is harsh. The solar panels are subjected to extreme conditions every day, including heat, humidity, ultraviolet radiation, the effect of the wind, and in some areas, dust, salt, or snow. The various parts of a solar module are expected to function not only well on their own, but also endure the operating stresses, which lasts for many years. The selection of the different materials, therefore, is critical to whether it will last.
In the core of every module, there are photovoltaic cells. Monocrystalline silicon, which is very pure, has been found to degrade much slowly compared to less expensive options. Panels that use cells made of higher purity will be able to degrade in their performance by as little as 0.3 to 0.5 percent per annum, performing satisfactorily in the later years, while less purified cells will degrade in performance much faster, resulting in reduction in revenue.
Encapsulants and encapsulation materials are equally important. Good quality ethylene-vinyl acetate or sophisticated polymers used in encapsulants ensure the cells are not exposed to water and contamination. The cross-linking process in encapsulants ensures there is no delamination, bubbling, and corrosion, which are some common factors for the rapid degradation of modules. After the integrity of the encapsulants is broken, the rate of degradation speeds up.
Another frequently underappreciated part is the backsheet. Fluoropolymers offer electrical insulation and environmental resistance. A substandard backsheet can degrade through cracking and discoloration over a period of time. Moisture can enter and insulation failure can have severe consequences. A number of mid-life component failures that have been traced back within operational plants have origins that lie within backsheet material.
Structural features also have equal importance. The module frames produced from quality-anodised aluminum alloys ensure that the module is mechanically robust and resistant to corrosion. Such module frames have to be able to resist wind forces and thermal expansion forces. A weak module frame would mean that the whole module is subjected to higher mechanical stresses.
Even the front glass or electrical parts play a major role in determining the lifespan. Low iron, tempered solar glass with anti-reflective coating helps in maximising the amount of light transmitted while shielding the cells against hail damage and weather. High-quality junction boxes, water-resistant plastics, as well as tin-copper connections, help in secure current collection, thereby preventing any electrical damage due to heat or water. Collapse in these regions is known to cause area-wise power losses, resulting in localised power losses.
For these reasons, procurement is one of the most important steps involved in the solar project life cycle. Proper procurement walks the tightrope between being frugal on investments as well as focusing on future benefits. This includes choosing manufacturers with well-documented operational experience and excellent performance guarantees of 25 years or longer. This entails strict international testing and certification requirements for survival against potential tests of extreme environments like damp heat, UV radiation, or potential-induced degradation.
The material compatibility issue is another important consideration. The use of incompatible materials can cause chemical reactions or electrical stresses in the operational environment, which can lead to accelerated degradation processes like PID. Such threats are incapable of being remedied upon deployment through maintenance. They are thereby required to be dealt with right at the point of sourcing.
Environmental conditions increase the stakes for material quality. High temperatures reduce voltage and increase internal cell resistance, while violent weather can bring mechanical damage. Panels that go out into extreme environments have to depend on superior materials and better manufacturing to satisfy performance needs. Even the best materials need proper installation and disciplined maintenance. Incorrect mounting angles, poor grounding, or lack of routine inspection can negate the benefits of high-quality procurement.
Long-term degradation affects all solar panels, averaging around 0.5 per cent per year. Often, high-quality material panels with strong maintenance regimes still produce 85 to 90 per cent of their original output after twenty years of operation. The long-term cost savings, revenue predictability, and asset valuation all directly depend on the amount of sustained performance.
Lastly, it is important to note that when it comes to business, expenditure on quality is a wise business move. It cuts down on corrective maintenance and prevents unexpected failures, while it also ensures a consistent flow of energy for the entire life cycle of a project. The field of solar energy is one in which returns on an investment are realised over an extended period of time and not an annual basis; accordingly, even before an intervention has completed its target life cycle, it has failed based on upfront decisions made.
