pv magazine Webinar | Cracking the case: quantifying the impact of cell cracking

Initiative partner: First Solar

Whether microscopic or visible to the eye, cracked PV cells can impact module power output, and worsen over time. But to what extent do they undermine system-level power output and is it possible to effectively mitigate cell cracking in all cases and conditions?

This pv magazine webinar, in partnership with First Solar, will investigate the extent to which cracked cells impact on power output, and what are the predominate causes of such cracking. The results of an independent testing program, in which real-world PV power plant conditions were simulated, will be presented.

The tests were carried out on both mono and multicrystalline PV modules, Series 4, thin film modules from First Solar. The testing was carried out by leading laboratories and testing equipment providers – in partnership with NREL.

During the webinar, Tristan Erion-Lorico, Head of PV Module Business, at PVEL, will discuss going beyond certification standards to determine a module’s susceptibility to cell cracking and subsequent power loss. He will also demonstrate how PVEL’s new Incident Response Field Service allows asset managers and site owners to safeguard against financial losses following extreme weather events.

Andrew Gabor, from test equipment provider BrightSpot Automation, will share test results and imaging related to cell cracking – illustrating both the prevalence of cracking among various technologies, and their impacts on power output.

Also joining us is Lou Trippel, VP Product Management from First Solar, who will share test results and outline industry implications.

Cell cracking can be incurred in production, in transportation, installation and also in the operational life of a PV system. The causes, identification and impacts of cell cracking will be investigated in detail, along with mitigation strategies. As a result, the webinar is suitable for a range of industry participants including project developers, investors, insurers, EPCs, wholesalers and installation teams.

Webinar Content:
• The causes and performance impacts of cell cracking in crystalline silicon PV modules.
• An overview of equipment and imaging technologies necessary to visualize and quantify cell cracking.
• The implications for the project financing and insurance industries
• Considerations on standards and mitigating the downside risks of cell cracking.

Be part of the conversation!
Questions can be submitted beforehand or during the webinar through a chat window.

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This webinar was recorded on 22 January 2020.