Visual defects in terrestrial photovoltaic modules

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Abstract
During the past year, over 4,650 photovoltaic modules from various manufacturers were received. In order to establish a data base against which to measure degradation, each module was subjected to a thorough visual inspection using microscopes at powers up to 30X. A multitude of defects were found that included cracked cells, soldering anomalies, encapsulant delamination, entrapped debris, uncured encapsulant and interconnects protruding through the encapsulant. Specific defects which have the potential to cause premature electrical failure or degradation in the field are enumerated. In addition, some visual examination results for modules with six months' field service at MIT/Lincoln Laboratory's photovoltaic-powered agricultural experiment in Nebraska are presented. The excellent performance record of this system during its first six months of operation is noted.

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