Remove #1 Defect from your PV projects?

What defects can be found in EL testing?
Thorough EL testing is essential for ensuring the long-term efficiency of photovoltaic modules. The following defects are critical to the performance and lifetime of PV modules, and Electroluminescence EL testing provides a non-destructive way to identify and mitigate them early on.

1. Micro cracks: Tiny cracks in the silicon cells, which can lead to power loss, diode activation, or hot spots. They can be caused during manufacturing, shipping, or installation.
   
   
2. Cell Cracks: Cracks that isolate regions of cells, leading to current disruption, hot spots, and performance degradation.
   
   
3. Soldering Defects: Poor connections due to improper soldering, which can result in power loss and potential fire hazards.
   
   
4. Potential Induced Degradation (PID): Voltage stress-induced degradation affecting the module’s performance. PID leads to a reduction in power output over time.
   
   
5. Dead Cell : Cells that have lost the ability to generate electricity, often due to mechanical stress or other damage.
   
   
6. Diode Failures: When bypass diodes fail, one or more cell strings are deactivated, reducing the overall module output.
   
   
7. Bus Bar Contact Defects: Issues with the bus bar, which can disrupt the flow of electricity and lead to reduced performance.
   
   
8. Backsheet Scratches: Scratches on the module's backsheet that compromise the integrity of the module, potentially allowing moisture to penetrate and causing electrical issues.
   
   
9. Wafer Defects: Imperfections in the silicon wafer, which can impact the efficiency and performance of the cells.
   
   
10. Hot Spots: Areas of excessive heat caused by microcracks or cell defects, which can lead to performance loss or further damage.
    
    
11. Broken or Damaged Cells: Physical damage to the cells that affects the module’s ability to generate power.
    
    
12. Missing or Interrupted Screen-Printed Fingers: Issues with the grid lines on the cells, which can cause performance loss or incomplete current collection.
    
    
13. Cell Array Shifting: Displacement of the cell array, which can cause performance loss or disconnection.
    
    
14. Fragmentation: Large sections of cells broken off, severely affecting module output.
    
    
15. Cell Mixing: Differences in electrical performance between cells leading to efficiency problems in the module.
    
    
16. Linear Hidden Cracks: Cracks that run along grid lines or cell edges, impacting the cell’s function.
    
    
17. Cross Hidden Cracks: Cracks extending outward in a cross pattern, affecting the cell’s performance.
    
    
18. Tabbing Disconnections: Disconnection of the tabs, which impairs the electrical continuity within the module.
    
    
19. Short Circuits: Faults causing cells to stop functioning, often leading to the entire module becoming inoperative.
    
    
20. Environmental and Mechanical Damage: Damage due to weather events such as hailstorms, heavy snow, or improper handling during transportation or installation.

Third-Party EL Testing for Warranty and Risk Management Third-party EL testing plays a crucial role in validating the integrity of photovoltaic modules, especially for warranty claims and risk management. Independent EL testing services provide detailed reports, ensuring manufacturers and asset owners can pinpoint issues such as cell array shifting, dead cells, or bypass diode failures.

Through 100% detailed PV module testing on the above defects, manufacturers and developers can prevent performance losses, ensuring their solar power systems operate at optimal capacity from the start. This EL factory testing method guarantees the highest level of quality control for PV modules, offering developers a reliable path to avoid costly performance degradation.

With high-accuracy EL imaging, insurers and financiers can assess the long-term reliability of solar projects, minimizing investment risks and maximizing returns. By identifying and eliminating underperforming modules, EL testing ensures your solar projects maintain high performance and avoid future financial losses.