Corrosion that occurs due to electrochemical interaction between soil and steel is one of the most serious and often underestimated problems in photovoltaic plants.
Within the ever-growing photovoltaic industry, corrosion of buried steel is a considerable challenge, especially in metal structures supporting solar panels. In environments known for their aggressiveness, such as in soils with high salinity, humid areas, corrosion is closely monitored. However, in seemingly more benign soils, this vigilance can be more relaxed, leading to unpleasant surprises over time. In fact, multiple factors influence corrosion.
It is possible to see a photovoltaic plant that appears to be in perfect condition from the surface, without realizing that underground corrosion has already begun to affect the structures. This problem could go unnoticed until excavations are carried out or until a significant failure is observed in the underground poles or structures
Preventing and mitigating corrosion in photovoltaic plants:
As worrying as the scenario may be, there are effective methods to prevent and mitigate the effects of corrosion. These measures must be implemented from the early stages of the project, during the design of the plant, through a correct evaluation of the geotechnical model of the terrain.
To do this, it is essential to make a detailed geological map that allows the identification of areas with different behaviors against corrosion, complemented by the taking of soil and groundwater samples.
Likewise, physical and chemical tests carried out in specialized laboratories allow the corrosive potential of soil and groundwater to be evaluated.
When the plant is already in operation, there are inspection methods to evaluate the current state of the structures and determine if corrosion is present. If there are suspicions that the steel is being affected, techniques can be used to monitor the situation and ensure that the plant will fulfill its estimated life cycle.
Corrosion of steel due to soil conditions is a problem that directly affects the durability and efficiency of photovoltaic plants. Although it may seem that this phenomenon occurs only in highly aggressive soils, the reality is that even in soils considered safe, serious corrosion problems have been recorded in plants with only a few years of operation.
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