Deep learning in defects detection of PV modules: A review

Identifying defects in photovoltaic (PV) modules is essential for ensuring optimal performance and prolonging their operational lifespan. Traditional manual inspection methods are time-consuming, labor-intensive, and subject to human error, necessitating the development of automated, efficient detec...

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Main Authors: Katleho Masita, Ali Hasan, Thokozani Shongwe, Hasan Abu Hilal
Format: Article
Language:English
Published: Elsevier 2025-01-01
Series:Solar Energy Advances
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Online Access:http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2667113125000038
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author Katleho Masita
Ali Hasan
Thokozani Shongwe
Hasan Abu Hilal
author_facet Katleho Masita
Ali Hasan
Thokozani Shongwe
Hasan Abu Hilal
author_sort Katleho Masita
collection DOAJ
description Identifying defects in photovoltaic (PV) modules is essential for ensuring optimal performance and prolonging their operational lifespan. Traditional manual inspection methods are time-consuming, labor-intensive, and subject to human error, necessitating the development of automated, efficient detection techniques. With the increasing scale of PV power plants, there is a pressing need for automated, accurate, and efficient defect detection methods. This review explores the application of deep learning (DL) methods, particularly convolutional neural networks (CNNs), in the identification and classification of PV module defects. Var- ious imaging techniques, including electroluminescence (EL), thermal, and visible spectrum imaging, are discussed for their roles in data acquisition. The importance of preprocessing steps such as image normalization, registration, and segmentation is emphasized to enhance detection accuracy. The review highlights the effectiveness of DL models like MobileNet, VGG-16, and YOLO, and techniques such as transfer learning and data augmentation in improving model performance. Despite achieving high accuracy, challenges such as the need for large datasets and model generalization across different PV modules and environmental conditions remain. The integration of DL with aerial inspection technologies and advance- ments in image processing holds promise for further enhancing the reliability and efficiency of solar energy systems.
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institution Kabale University
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publishDate 2025-01-01
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series Solar Energy Advances
spelling doaj-art-ea680747d2fa4af2b88a85068fc0ad3f2025-02-07T04:48:30ZengElsevierSolar Energy Advances2667-11312025-01-015100090Deep learning in defects detection of PV modules: A reviewKatleho Masita0Ali Hasan1Thokozani Shongwe2Hasan Abu Hilal3Electrical and Electronic Engineering Science Department, University of Johannesburg, Johannesburg, South Africa; Corresponding author.Electrical and Electronic Engineering Science Department, University of Johannesburg, Johannesburg, South AfricaElectrical and Electronic Engineering Science Department, University of Johannesburg, Johannesburg, South AfricaElectrical and Electronic Engineering Department, Eastern Mediterranean University, North Cyprus, 99628, Famagusta, CyprusIdentifying defects in photovoltaic (PV) modules is essential for ensuring optimal performance and prolonging their operational lifespan. Traditional manual inspection methods are time-consuming, labor-intensive, and subject to human error, necessitating the development of automated, efficient detection techniques. With the increasing scale of PV power plants, there is a pressing need for automated, accurate, and efficient defect detection methods. This review explores the application of deep learning (DL) methods, particularly convolutional neural networks (CNNs), in the identification and classification of PV module defects. Var- ious imaging techniques, including electroluminescence (EL), thermal, and visible spectrum imaging, are discussed for their roles in data acquisition. The importance of preprocessing steps such as image normalization, registration, and segmentation is emphasized to enhance detection accuracy. The review highlights the effectiveness of DL models like MobileNet, VGG-16, and YOLO, and techniques such as transfer learning and data augmentation in improving model performance. Despite achieving high accuracy, challenges such as the need for large datasets and model generalization across different PV modules and environmental conditions remain. The integration of DL with aerial inspection technologies and advance- ments in image processing holds promise for further enhancing the reliability and efficiency of solar energy systems.http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2667113125000038PV moduleSolarDroneDeep learningDefects detection
spellingShingle Katleho Masita
Ali Hasan
Thokozani Shongwe
Hasan Abu Hilal
Deep learning in defects detection of PV modules: A review
Solar Energy Advances
PV module
Solar
Drone
Deep learning
Defects detection
title Deep learning in defects detection of PV modules: A review
title_full Deep learning in defects detection of PV modules: A review
title_fullStr Deep learning in defects detection of PV modules: A review
title_full_unstemmed Deep learning in defects detection of PV modules: A review
title_short Deep learning in defects detection of PV modules: A review
title_sort deep learning in defects detection of pv modules a review
topic PV module
Solar
Drone
Deep learning
Defects detection
url http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2667113125000038
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AT alihasan deeplearningindefectsdetectionofpvmodulesareview
AT thokozanishongwe deeplearningindefectsdetectionofpvmodulesareview
AT hasanabuhilal deeplearningindefectsdetectionofpvmodulesareview