Linking performance of PV systems in India with socio-economic aspects of installation

A survey of PV modules in the field for more than 5 years in India has been conducted The analysis revealed that module degradation rates are linked with the social and behavioral issues of the end users. The appropriateness in system installation, maintenance and hence the degradation depends on the type of ownership of the system, the financial model for the installation and the end purpose. We found that whenever there are cash flows associated with the installations in terms of savings or income generation, the maintenance activities are properly done, irrespective of the type of ownership of the system. Community owned PV installations were found to be better installed and maintained than individual systems because of the presence of institutionalized mechanisms for operation and maintenance.