Long-term performance of the first grid-connected, building-integrated amorphous silicon PV installation in Brazil

In this paper we present the performance assessment of the first grid-connected, building-integrated, thin-film PV system installed in Brazil in 1997. In the 12-years period since start up, the 40m², 2kWp double-junction amorphous silicon BIPV generator operated continuously, with minimum downtime and high performance ratios. We also discuss reliability issues related to system design and inverter performance and replacement for the continuous operation of this distributed energy source in the urban environment of a warm-climate metropolitan state capital in Brazil.