Cracks In Solar Panels

Micro cracks are small cracks in solar cells that are impossible to see with the naked eye but really impact the performance of your solar energy system and investment.

Cracks in solar panels.

Cell cracks appear in the photovoltaic pv panels during their transportation from the factory to the place of installation. Micro cracks can occur during pv modules production but also during shipping or due to careless handling practice during installation. These are virtually imperceptible microscopic tears in the solar cells. The wafers have some ability to flex but simple pressure or stress can induce micro cracks.

The long term effect of micro cracks on panel life expectancy and performance are still being researched. But with time and significant weather changes the cracks can grow. It is not possible to see. Most solar cells are comprised of very thin silicon wafers usually around 0 20mm thick.

Micro cracks can be caused by poor handling of the solar cells during assembly usually through non automated systems or transport installation damage from vibration or shock if improperly handled or dropped. Also some climate proceedings such as snow loads strong winds and hailstorms might create some major cracks on the pv modules surface these cracks may lead to disconnection of cell parts and therefore to a loss in the total power generated by. Micro cracks are a common issue with solar panels and can compromise the effectiveness of your system. Certified installers must purchase solar panels through the authorised distribution channels.

Shortened solar panel life. While on the one hand it is difficult to assess in detail their impact on the overall efficiency and longevity of a solar panel they are one of the main sources of malfunctioning or even inactive cells. Generally panels will degrade by about 0 8 1 per year micro cracks can increase this degradation significantly. One phenomenon we regularly encounter are micro cracks in crystalline pv panels.

A reputable manufacturer certified installer is the final part of the prevention toward solar panel micro cracks. Selecting a solar panel manufacturer which acknowledges the prevention of microcracks in it s build quality is 2 3 of the solution. In extreme circumstances the cells will burn and the panel will stop producing all together. Solar panel micro cracks or more precisely micro cracks in solar cells pose a frequent and complicated challenge for manufacturers of photovoltaic pv modules.

The cracks mostly occur due to pv module production and thermal and seasonal conditions. However micro cracks are nearly impossible to avoid and in the long run will.