Potentially Induced Degradation

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Often a problem in hotter climates, Potential induced degradation (PID) is a phenomena that has only recently become a concern in the photovoltaic industry. PID impacts the ions of a solar cell and results in the degradation of the output of that cell. PID can significantly reduce the power output of a photovoltaic (PV) module within the first year of operation, with power losses at the module level as high as 70% in the first 18 months. These module level losses can progress rapidly and become so severe that they affect the performance of an entire system. Potential induced degradation is often seen as a defect with the module, but requires system level changes. The occurrence of PID depends mainly on the electrical configuration of the system and module design/construction. However, system voltage, temperature, humidity and irradiance also contribute to the occurrence of PID

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Hairline crack

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Hairline cracks in the cells, usually result from either poor handling at module stage or from poorly managed thermal stress related to applying metal to the front of the wafer. 2)Hairline cracks causes oxygen to penetrate into the cell and the conductors on solar cells start to oxidise due to Photobleaching phenomenon. 3) chemical contaminates gets under the glass during manufacturing causing deterioration of the cells and the conductors immediately after production. Once this process occurs, the sun will act as a catalyst to further deteriorate the cells especially in hotter climates

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