Microcracking in PV Modules: Separating Fact from Fiction

Recorded January 21, 2024.

For the past several years, concerns about PV module underperformance due to cell cracking/microcracks were justified. Cracks in three busbar crystalline silicon solar cells could lead to areas of inactivity within the cells, thus lowering module efficiency.

Production line electroluminescence (EL) acceptance criteria were instituted by PV module manufacturers and their buyers, when following best practices, and modules with cell cracks were rejected for fear of future underperformance in the field. This rejection was further translated to the field when completing EL imaging for module acceptance or following extreme weather events such as hail storms or tornados. That led to record setting insurance claims, and the subsequent tightening of the insurance market for damages on operating PV sites. 

But as module technology has continued to evolve, Kiwa PVEL has found the ability for some modules to experience cell cracking has significantly diminished. Further, for modules that do experience cell cracks, the resultant power loss is often less than a few percent following subsequent stress testing.  

In this webinar recording experts from Kiwa PVEL and Brown & Brown Risk Solutions discussed an overview of microcracking risks, including the current challenges for developers and insurers, along with insights and the latest results from PVEL’s extended reliability testing. An overview of insurance claims related to cell cracks and limitations for insurance coverage was also presented. 

Speakers: 

  • Tristan Erion-Lorico, VP of Sales and Marketing, Kiwa PVEL 
  • Todd Karin, VP of Technical Operations, Kiwa PVEL 
  • Michael Perron, Senior Managing Director, Brown & Brown Risk Solutions, Global Energy & Climate Tech 

Access the Recording