Cornelia Lichner, "A 10 GW time bomb" https://www.pv-magazine.com/2023/09/09/weekend-read-a-10-gw-time-bomb/

«It has long been known some “AAA” backsheet films – made of triple-layer polyamide and widely deployed from 2010 to 2013 – can become brittle and tear. [...] Some 15% of Germany’s solar capacity – 10 GW – could be affected. That equates to up to €2 billion ($2.18 billion) in replacement costs, with only a fraction of the affected panels likely detected thus far.

There are safety risks, too. Affected modules could electrocute if handled in wet weather and are more susceptible to fires. With some severely damaged panels showing only minor performance loss, how can damage be assessed? How long can such modules operate safely after initial premature aging signs? [...]

HaWe’s Weinreich estimated the 10 GW figure, including 2 GW of severely-affected panels installed between 2010 and 2012; and 6 GW installed between 2004 and 2014, that feature other backsheet types and are expected to fail before their 20-year lifespan. »

10 GW installed power of PV is ≈8 TWh/a in 2022. (Calculation mine) Service life of PV panels is ≈20 years. Deterioration in half the time undercuts all calculations for armortisation and profit.

#peakrenewables