Why Should You Care About Photovoltaic Glass Defects?

Photovoltaic (PV) glass sheets are the protective "skin" of solar panels, shielding delicate solar cells from weather, dust, and mechanical stress. However, defects in photovoltaic glass sheets can silently sabotage energy output. Imagine tiny cracks acting like blocked highways for sunlight – that’s what defects do. Let’s explore common issues, their impacts, and how the industry is fighting back.

Common Types of Defects in PV Glass Sheets

1. Microcracks: The Silent Energy Thieves

• Appearance: Hairline fractures invisible to the naked eye.
• Impact: Reduce power output by 2-10% (see Table 1).
• Causes: Thermal stress during manufacturing or rough handling.

2. Delamination: When Layers Drift Apart

• Signs: Bubbles or cloudy patches between glass and EVA encapsulant.
• Risk: Moisture ingress leading to corrosion and 15%+ efficiency loss.

3. PID Effect: The Voltage Vampire

Potential Induced Degradation (PID) occurs when voltage leaks through defective glass, draining power like a hidden leak. A 2023 study showed PID accounts for 8% of early solar farm underperformance.

Defect Type	Average Efficiency Loss	Detection Method
Microcracks	3-8%	Electroluminescence (EL) imaging
Delamination	10-20%	Infrared thermography
PID Effect	5-30%	IV curve testing

Innovations in Defect Prevention

The industry is adopting AI-powered optical inspection systems that spot microcracks faster than a hawk spotting prey. New anti-reflective coatings now double as "defect blockers," reducing light-induced degradation by 40% compared to traditional glass.

Choosing Reliable PV Glass Suppliers

Look for suppliers using:

• Low-iron tempered glass with ≥94% transparency
• ISO 9001-certified quality control processes
• PID-resistant coating technologies

Conclusion

From microcracks to delamination, defects in photovoltaic glass sheets are more than cosmetic flaws – they’re profit killers. By understanding these issues and partnering with tech-forward suppliers, solar projects can maintain peak performance for 25+ years.

FAQ: Defects in Photovoltaic Glass Sheets

Q1: Can scratched PV glass still generate power?

Light surface scratches have minimal impact, but deep scratches scattering light can reduce output by 1-3%.

Q2: How often should solar farms inspect for glass defects?

Annual EL imaging + bi-annual visual checks are recommended for utility-scale projects.

About Our Solutions

Specializing in photovoltaic glass quality enhancement since 2015, we provide defect-resistant glass solutions for solar farms and rooftop installations. Our PID-free coating technology has been deployed in 300+ MW projects across Asia and Europe.

Contact us: Phone/WhatsApp: +86 138 1658 3346 Email: [email protected]

Download Understanding Types of Defects in Photovoltaic Glass Sheets [PDF]

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