Microcracks and module design

New cell and module technologies are boosting power outputs, but they often have implications for quality. A focus purely on cell cracking illustrates just this point, with some approaches proving beneficial, and others potentially problematic – cue Tristan Erion-Lorico from PV Evolution Labs (PVEL).

Issue 04-2021

This field EL image reveals branching microcracks in a PV module that was installed in a utility-scale project that suffered tornado damage. PVEL took this image soon after a tornado struck the site. If this module had continued operating in the field, the microcracks would have likely continued branching to create more inactive areas over time.

Image: PVEL

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