Does Iraq need a solar PV system?

The increasing global demand for renewable energy necessitates a comprehensive understanding of solar photovoltaic (PV) system performance and reliability, particularly in harsh climates such as Iraq. Despite ambitious targets to diversify its energy sector, Iraq faces challenges in the deployment of PV projects due to limited field experience.

Does soiling affect solar PV performance in Iraq?

While existing literature has extensively evaluated Iraq's solar PV potential [7, 19, 20], and identified performance degradation due to soiling [, , ], there remains a critical gap in understanding long-term reliability aspects, including degradation by age or the combined effects of soiling and age-related degradation.

Are solar energy projects viable?

However, the lack of comprehensive data on PV performance and reliability in many of these nations introduces uncertainties when assessing the viability of PV projects. For example, countries like Iraq, have a promising potential for PV energy generation due to the amount of solar energy that the country receives per year.

How reliable is Iraq's electricity grid?

Iraq’s electrical power supply grid faces significant reliability challenges due to a combination of infrastructure damage, high loss rates, and frequent power outages. 456 Infrastructure Condition: The grid has suffered extensive damage from decades of conflict, resulting in inadequate transmission and distribution systems.

How much does electricity cost in Iraq?

As of March 2024, the average cost of electricity from utility companies in Iraq (including power, distribution and transmission costs as well as taxes) is $0.015 per kWh for residential consumers and $0.046 per kWh for businesses. 3

What are the most common failure modes experienced by modules installed in Iraq?

By using the field data from the two locations, we have identified that the most common failure modes experienced by the modules installed in Iraq are: solder bond fatigue, glass/cell crack and breakage impact, delamination, and discoloration.