Title : Evaluation of climate resilience and degradation of photovoltaic systems in the Ecuadorian Amazon-2025-2026
Abstract:
The performance, degradation, and climate resilience of photovoltaic (PV) systems were assessed in three Ecuadorian Amazon cantons—Pastaza, Tena, and Macas in the provinces of Pastaza, Napo, and Morona Santiago, respectively—through empirical monitoring over 6–12 months using IEC 617224 standards. IoT sensors, I-V curves, IR thermography, and visual inspections were combined to analyze climatic variables—temperature (16–27°C), RH (64–95%), precipitation (up to 430 mm/month), and irradiance (3.8–4.8 kWh/m²/day)—and PV metrics: PR (73–78%) and yield (1350– 1450 kWh/kWp). Stable irradiance with a coefficient of variation of approximately 5–6% and a reliability of 89–90% was evident. Macas had superior performance (4.4–4.5 kWh/m²/days, PR 78%). The high RH > 80% accelerates soiling (1.8–2.4 months), reducing efficiency by 10–20%. Intense rainfall generates natural washing, recovering 10–15% of the performance, while cloud cover causes losses of 15–25%. The annual PLR (0.8–1.8%/year) is higher than the global average (approximately 0.5%/year) and was modeled with SLT (R² = 0.95). Hotspots were identified, primarily associated with bypass diodes (45%), microcracks (30%), and chronic failures (EVA, corrosion). The LCOE (0.09–0.15 USD/kWh) with an ROI of 5–7 years covers 45–100% of local demand and avoids ~0.17 t CO2/kWh. The Amazon region’s climate is suitable for PV systems with mitigation measures, bifacial modules, hydrophobic coatings, 20% oversizing, fortnightly or monthly cleaning, elevated flood-proof structures, and strategies to limit PLR to 0.4–0.6%/year, extending the useful life to 23–25 years. Public and private institutions should develop operational guidelines to promote energy sustainability in the Ecuadorian Amazon.
