1.Hot spots on the panels
Reason: Hot spots on the panels are mainly due to the high resistance of the cells because of a bad welding process between the bus bar.
Consequence: Bad welding connections cause low resistance in the part of the panel that receives the power generated by the cell. As a result, hot spot panels can lead to short-circuiting, reduces the performance and lifespan of the PV solar panel, or damage the EVA and back sheet and catch fire. Most of the time, the solar modules need to be replaced and the cost of that is quite high.
Solution: A strict process of production and quality control from a reliable supplier is mandatory to avoid this phenomenon. The welding machine is the key element in the solar energy production line, so make sure that your supplier has a full automotive factory with a high-reliability welding machine brand, In-Process Quality Control standard, and intern SOP.
2. Micro-cracks on solar modules
Reason: Micro-cracks are mainly due to poor quality cells, a problem during the solar module production, a problem during shipping (due to low-quality packaging and damage during the container loading), or bad handling of the panels during unloading of the container or installation of the solar panels.
Consequence: Cells in the solar panels are wired in series, so micro-cracks will influence all your module efficiency and therefore all the systems, resulting in a 2-3% performance lost. Most of the time, in this case, it’s recommended to change the solar module.
Solution: Your business needs a reliable supplier. Make sure the quality of the cells used is Grade A, with a high standard of out-going quality control. Make sure also the packaging used is at least 2 waves layout and that your panels are well packed before loading.
3. Solar Panels Oxidation, Snail trail contamination
Reason: EVA is made of additive to resist UV rays from the sunlight. In case of poor quality of EVA or even a badly maintained storage (of the cells or the finished solar panels), your module can turn into yellow or brown. The defective EVA can lead to moisture in the panel, and as a result of this moisture, oxidation can occur between the EVA and the back sheet.
Consequence: Lower efficiency of your solar panel. It will reduce the efficiency of all your systems or project. It is recommended to change the panel in this case.
Solution: Outsource the best raw material from your supplier: high quality of EVA. Also, always ask your supplier a strict process of Incoming Quality Control (IQC), to test each raw material received.
4. PID Effect on solar modules
Reason: PID means Potential Induced Degradation. This negatively affects the cells of solar modules. It is a process that occurs only a few years after installation. PID causes an accelerated degradation in performance which expands exponentially.
Consequence: There is a risk of reduction of the performance and an acceleration of the aging of your solar module.
Solution: Make sure to work with supplier certified TUV SUD standard 2016 (IEC 61730 and IEC 61215), as well as PID free certification showing a strong resistance, provide by TUV SUD.
5. Internal corrosion, delamination problems
Reason: Internal corrosion happened when moistures penetrate inside the module. The layout of the solar module (Glass, EVAx2, Cells, Backsheet) MUST be air and water-tight, so during the process of production, we have laminated the module components under Vaccum. If there is a problem during the lamination process or if the lamination is too short, it can lead to delamination or moisture in the panels.
Consequence: Corrosion in your PV module will lead to a reduction of the panel production, and will affect all your systems production.
Solution: One more time, make sure to work with a reliable supplier, that use a good brand lamination machine, and which have a good process of production and good SOP for their employee. Any problem during the lamination process needs to be identified and fixed by factory workers. Make sure also that your supplier has all corrosion certification such as Salt Mist corrosion level 6, or Ammonia corrosion.
Don’t hesitate to contact our Eco Green Energy Team for more information about our factory, the process of production, quality raw material, and panels quotation. At Eco Green Energy, we try to find the best balance between quality and price.
brandmarketing@eco-greenenergy.com for more details on that subject.
