Electrochemical corrosion within solar panels

摘要

This paper is mainly focusing on electrochemical failure modes for silicon based technology frequentlyobserved in field recently and referred to as so-called ‘snail tracks’. Suitable test sequences are presented for bothfailure provoking and for risk analysis for field panels already affected. Different field findings - referred to as ‘snailtracks’ - have been categorized with respect to their optical appearance. Relevance for power and yield issues in fieldhas been investigated and correlated to underlying crack issue as well as additional corrosive phenomena. Affectedfield panels have been further characterized with respect to their isolation properties. Results for leakage currentmeasurements as well as interfacial adhesion (glass/EVA) are presented. Material investigations have been conductedand bulk resistivity for different encapsulation materials (including different EVA types/suppliers) are presented.