Evolution over time of the causes of module failure
Module Fault Trends
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Total defects observed in the modules: 30%
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Total defects observed in backsheets: 16%
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Total defects observed in cells/interconnections: 12%
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Total encapsulant defects observed: 7%
Source : DuPont Photovoltaic and Advanced Materials 2020
Module Fault Types
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Backsheet: outer layer (air side) and inner layer (cell side) cracking, delamination, yellowing
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Cell / Interconnection: corrosion, hot spot, Snail trail, broken interconnection, cracks, burn marks (shunts)
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Encapsulant: discoloration, browning, delamination
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Others: glass defects, loss of AR coating, junction box
Source : DuPont Photovoltaic and Advanced Materials 2020
Photovoltaic systems and modules are exposed to a wide range of stress factors over a very long period of time. These stresses induce the aging of the materials and therefore the degradation of the panels.
The resulting problems or risks concern both
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loss of electrical protection, safety issues
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loss of conversion efficiency / degradation of output power
The financial and security impact can become very significant.
Findings from the field survey
Source: DuPont Photovoltaic and Advanced Materials 2020
Cracking affects the electrical integrity of the photovoltaic panel. In most cases, such degradation could be corrected