Featured in Full picture on quality – 04-2022

New technologies, new risks: edge ribbon cracking

As the PV module market shifts toward higher-efficiency modules, with half-cut cells and multi-busbar designs with round wires, it is important to continue to consider the reliability risk associated with changes in module design. While performing EL inspections in the field, a new type of microcrack associated with the combination of these technologies has been spotted, known as edge ribbon cracks. They have been seen to grow during shipping and installation. Claire Kearns-McCoy and George Touloupas of CEA offer a closer look.

By

pv magazine

07 Apr 2022

Images: CEA

Edge ribbon cracks are cell cracks that form at the point where the interconnect ribbon (or wire) crosses the edge of the cell. CEA has found these cracks to be most common in modules with multi-busbar or wire interconnects and half-cut cells. These cracks most often form at the cut edge of the cell, but …

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