Experimental Study of Observed Defects in Mini-modules Based on Crystalline Silicone Solar Cell under Damp Heat and Thermal Cycle Testing

In this study, consumer type multicrystalline modules are investigated. To assess the long-term reliability of photovoltaic (PV) multicrystalline modules, extended thermal cycling and damp heat testing were performed. This study focused on four multicrystalline modules. Two modules were subjected to 85 °C/85% damp heat testing at 1000 h and 1300 h, respectively. The other two modules were subjected to thermal cycle test of 55 cycles and 66 cycles, respectively. After testing, all 4 solar panels were investigated with the help of visual inspection, thermography, electroluminescence and IV-curve measurements. The main degradations observed were corrosion, hot spot and delamination.