Featured in The burning question – 10-2021

To replace or repair

Backsheet chalking, especially of polyamide backsheet films, doesn’t take long to lead to cracks and then safety shutdowns. Sometimes, though, the period may be much longer or shorter than expected. Assessing the risk and whether on-site repairs offer a long-term solution is currently a topic of strong debate within the PV industry, as Cornelia Lichner from the pv magazine Deutschland team reports.

By

Cornelia Lichner

05 Oct 2021

Image: ZSW

The first signs can only be seen on close inspection: White dust comes off the backsheet when your fingers wipe over the back of the module. With a closer look, fine cracks can be seen in the spaces between the cells, and even a yellowish discoloration. All these are indications of a backsheet film …

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