Fault Diagnostic Techniques in Practice: A Case Study on Hands-On Training for PV System Reliability

Fault detection and diagnosis (FDD) techniques are critical for optimizing the performance, reliability, and lifespan of photovoltaic (PV) systems. However, the practical, hands-on skills required for effective FDD are challenging to convey in a traditional academic setting. This paper presents an experiential learning framework designed to bridge this gap between theory and practice. The activity was conducted during a one-week Advanced School in Malta, part of the Horizon Europe PROMISE project. Students from diverse international and academic backgrounds were immersed in a structured learning cycle involving lectures, hands-on fieldwork at operational PV plants, and collaborative analysis. They applied key inspection techniques - visual, infrared thermography, electroluminescence, magnetic imaging and ultraviolet fluorescence - to diagnose real-world module failures. The outcomes demonstrate that this experiential model significantly enhances students' diagnostic skills, fosters critical thinking, and provides a deeper understanding of PV reliability principles, better preparing them for the challenges of the rapidly growing solar industry.