Photovoltaic Panel Hidden Crack Rapid Detection Instrument: Enhancing Solar Panel Integrity and Performance

Hidden cracks in solar panels are tiny fractures that can occur during the encapsulation process, which are usually imperceptible to the naked eye. However, these minor cracks may gradually expand under mechanical vibration or pressure, eventually leading to open-circuit damage in the solar panel.

The current collection of solar panels relies on the main busbars on the surface and the finer finger busbars perpendicular to them. If hidden cracks cause the finger busbars to break, the current cannot be transferred from the finger busbars to the main busbars, which may lead to partial or complete failure of the panel. In extreme cases, hidden cracks can also trigger hot spot effects, a phenomenon where certain parts of the solar panel consume the energy generated by other parts and heat up when they are shaded. This can cause local temperature increases in the panel, accelerate material aging, reduce the current output and power of the entire system, and shorten the service life of the panel.

Common types of hidden cracks in solar panels include linear, dendritic, and fragmentary cracks. Dendritic and fragmentary cracks have the most significant impact on panel performance, and if these cracks cover a large area of the panel, they can even affect the current-voltage characteristic curve of the panel. In contrast, if linear cracks do not penetrate the busbars of the panel, their impact on panel performance can be negligible.

The formation of hidden cracks in solar panels is a complex process, usually not caused by a single factor but rather the result of multiple factors working together. Among them, uneven force on the components is a key factor leading to hidden cracks, especially the vibrations during transportation that can exacerbate the problem. In the production process of the panel, from the selection of the cells, stringing, lamination, to layer pressing, and subsequent cleaning, component testing, and packaging, each step can affect the integrity of the panel.

Particularly before and after lamination, the panel undergoes electroluminescence (EL) testing, which helps to detect components with hidden cracks in a timely manner. If problems are found, these components are repaired or replaced to ensure the quality of the components at the lamination stage. Therefore, from the perspective of the production process, the pressure applied during the lamination process is unlikely to cause damage to the cells, and the risk of hidden cracks is relatively low at this stage.

The Photovoltaic panel hidden crack rapid detection instrument is a device for detecting hidden cracks in solar panels. Its principle is that when voltage is applied to the cell, electrons and holes in the cell move and combine, emitting light in the process. By monitoring this light with a camera and then processing it into an image with a computer, if a certain area in the image is darker, it indicates that there may be a problem, such as a hidden crack.

The Photovoltaic panel hidden crack rapid detection instrument is designed to be lightweight and portable, making it easy to carry and quickly deploy for the inspection of photovoltaic components in various field environments. Users can perform EL testing on entire photovoltaic strings or individual components directly on-site without having to remove the components from their installation locations.