The Atacama Desert receives the highest levels of solar irradiance in the world with an annual average of 2500 kWh/m² for the global horizontal irradiance and 3500 kWh/m² for the direct normal irradiance. One of the challenges is the large portion of ultraviolet light. This part of the spectrum be detrimental for the encapsulant materials, reducing their lifetime. To develop a module adapted to the Atacama Desert conditions, it is imperative to have standardized information from first-hand about the typical faults experienced by photovoltaic modules operating in the desert. This work reports on the design and implementation of the Inspection Data Collection Tool to evaluate crystalline silicon-based moules operating in desert climates. The tool brings together novel features of compatibility with current standards, efficient mobile-type instrumentation (equipment and tools), clear procedures/protocols for non-expert users and low development costs. A total of 95 modules were inspected to characterize failure/degradation issues. Three components of the solar modules were assessed: front cover glass, ethylene-vinyl acetate encapsulant and solar cells. Seven abnormalities were analyzed: Soiling, front cover glass discoloration, encapsulant delamination, hotspots, partial shading, cell fracture and faulty soldering. Soiling was the most common issue, showing correlation between dust deposition and location.

There is currently an energy crisis that has led to photovoltaic operators maximizing their resources, making soiling a problem to consider in order to ensure project profitability. Energy production costs are strongly affected by the use of scarcely efficient cleaning techniques that are not suitable for a particular type of contaminant, climate, and installation. This paper introduces a technology that is suitable for studying soiling, thus decreasing the number of variables studied and reliable results were obtained. Our attention is focused on deposited material physicochemistry, local geology, and installation effects. Analysis via scanning electron microscopy and pits revealed a similarity between local geological processes and module soiling, with gypsum being responsible for soil and module cementation. Analysis with Atomic Force Microscopy confirms the cementation effect and crust formation on the lower part of the photovoltaic glass, the latter concentrating in the greatest amount of cemented material. Using a solar simulator, the characteristic curves produced by the cemented material were studied, and it was determined that the lower part of the glass produced the greatest losses (27%). Thus, a non-uniformity deposition was generated, creating resistance between the cells. From the data obtained, it was possible to make recommendations regarding making decisions about plant cleaning, instead of only considering the physicochemical analysis of the deposited material.