“Study of characteristics of a solar cell when damaging the surface of a photovoltaic module

Abstract

The article examines the factors and causes leading to damage to the surface of a photovoltaic
module and their impact on the characteristics of solar elements. Various types of surface damage to
photovoltaic modules and the reasons for their occurrence are analyzed. Among the most common
damages to photovoltaic modules are: traces of burning on the front and back panels, color change of sealant, delamination of multicrystalline modules, electrochemical corrosion of thin-film modules,
burning of ethylene vinyl acetate film in different parts of the cell, delamination of the backsheet, and
breakage of thin-film glass of the photovoltaic module. It is noted that during prolonged operation of
photovoltaic modules, there is a significant decrease in their productivity due to deterioration of key
parameters: the efficiency coefficient and output power. It has been found that surface damage to
photovoltaic modules occurs due to extreme weather conditions such as hail, wind, and temperature;
manufacturing defects; improper operation; wear and degradation of solar elements over time. An
analysis of types of photovoltaic module degradation and its consequences is conducted. It is shown
that degradation occurs due to chemical reactions between active metals in the photovoltaic module,
extreme weather conditions such as sharp temperature fluctuations, humidity, constant freezing and
thawing. It has been revealed that degradation leads to a decrease in the current conductivity of the
photovoltaic module, the appearance of parasitic resistance of the photomodule, the occurrence of
cracks, micropores, and surface irregularities on the photovoltaic module. Measures to prevent the
appearance of defects at all stages of production, installation, and delivery of photovoltaic modules
are proposed. These measures include: selection of photovoltaic modules for the construction of a
solar station from reputable manufacturers; carrying out repair work on photovoltaic modules in
specialized companies; organization of regular technical inspection of photovoltaic modules;
monitoring of photovoltaic module parameters during operation; adherence to the main rules for
operating photovoltaic modules.