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In this paper, an investigation study has been carried out to evaluate the photovoltaic module degradation, in a desert area of Algeria. In this view, a set of PV modules have been put into tests and assessment for more than 11 years. These modules were assembled into three PV generators composed of monocrystalline (mc-Si) and polycrystalline (pc-Si) PV modules. The I–V curve tracer, calibrated reference m-Si solar cell and Pt1000 temperature sensor tools were used to collect the data. Three degradation modes were examined namely: (i) the visual inspection characterized mainly by a discoloration of PV modules, (ii) I–V degradation characterized by an increase in the series resistance which corresponds to electrical losses in conductors and (iii) the degradation rate (DR) assessment. The main parameters affecting on PV system performance are the high temperatures and sandstorms that characterize desert regions. The results indicated that for monocrystalline and polycrystalline PV modules, the power degradation rates were 1.53% and 0.37% per year, respectively. This degradation rate was found to be 2.36% per year for modules with broken back-sheet and corroded junction box. The production situation of examined PV systems shown a decrease of about 9%, 13%, and 6.8% for PVG1, PVG2, and PVG3, respectively, throughout the operation period. In addition, cell discoloration was observed as the predominant mode of degradation mechanism in desert climatic conditions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Extreme ecosystems such as hypersaline habitats are promising source of bacteria able to produce potent natural molecules. Halophilic and halotolerant bacteria associated with an unexplored dry salt lake in Algeria have been investigated. A total of 17 isolates were phenotypically characterized. Optima temperature, pH, and salt concentration for growth have been determined. Bacteria strains have been identified based on the 16S rRNA gene sequencing. Enzymes production and antimicrobial activity against bacteria and fungi strains have been investigated. The results showed that isolates were assigned to three phylotypes, within eight isolates belonging to the genus Virgibacillus, eight isolates to Bacillus, and the genus Halomonas with one representative isolate. All phylotypes were able to thrive on large scales of salt, temperature and pH. In addition, the screening of extracellular enzymes showed that all the isolates were able to produce at least two enzymes. The gelatinase, and caseinase activities were the most produced. The screening of antimicrobial compounds production revealed that these strains exhibited significant activity against Gram-positive, Candida albicans, Fusarium, and Penicillium species. Finally, this biotechnological profiling and the PCA analysis have been shown that LMB3038, LMB3095, and LMB3082 were the most performant strains and present a promising source of important molecules. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]