Research of the Energy Losses of Photovoltaic (PV) Modules after Hail Simulation Using a Newly-Created Testbed

Abstract

The impact of hail ice cubes on composite structures (such as solar cells) causes actual defects. This article presents a series of tests, in which solar cell modules were exposed to hail simulation testbed balls, allowing to assess the following: the impact energy, which causes the major defects in solar cells; the formed micro-cracks in the structure of solar cells, resulting in the loss of power generated by a solar cell; and the solar cell parameters necessary for modelling. In addition, this article presents a digital analysis of hail simulation. Information received from the digital analysis was used to optimize the structure of solar cells in order to improve its resistance properties. The aim of this study was to present a simple method for experimental hail simulation. The proposed hail impact estimation method can be successfully applied to study the influence of the mechanical–dynamic impact of photovoltaic (PV) modules of different structures on the technical characteristics of these modules (structural stability, power generation, etc.). The study showed that PV modules are subjected to an irreversible effect of the excitation force (i.e., micro-cracking) and it can reduce the generated power by 2.33% to 4.83%.

Mechanical integrity of photovoltaic panels under hailstorms: Mono vs. poly-crystalline comparison

“…This better mechanical integrity of the 4-busbar module resulted in lower loss of output power after the hail impact. Kristina and Jonas [ 35 ], Their investigation revealed that micro-cracks primarily originated at the interface between the solar cell and the spherical object representing an ice cube, with additional micro-cracks appearing at attachment points along the PV module's edges. In terms of power degradation, the analysis of the findings indicated a decrease in power output.…”

Review of technology specific degradation in crystalline silicon, cadmium telluride, copper indium gallium selenide, dye sensitised, organic and perovskite solar cells in photovoltaic modules: Understanding how reliability improvements in mature technologies can enhance emerging technologies

“…14,15 There is some debate in the community on cell cracks as not all cracks result in a loss in performance; however, these can become larger with time and eventually lead to disconnections in parts of the cells. [16][17][18] Microcracks may form in several stages, namely, during (1) ingot cutting, (2) production of cell and module, (3) transportation and installation and (4) operation of PV module due to environmental factors such as temperature cycles, wind, snow and hail. 15,19,20 Cracks interrupt the electrical conductivity in cell regions, which leads to reduction in the short-circuit current and the increase of the series resistance, resulting in output power reduction of PV modules 21,22 and can also increase PID.…”

“…Microcracks and imperfections increase the risk of breakage during the production cycle and can propagate further during the lifetime of PV modules although they initially show little or no power loss 14,15 . There is some debate in the community on cell cracks as not all cracks result in a loss in performance; however, these can become larger with time and eventually lead to disconnections in parts of the cells 16–18 …”