Analysis of the impact of power loss due to snail trails in a 95-kWp photovoltaic power system. (November 2021)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Oh, Wonwook; Choi, Hoonjoo; Kim, Donghwan
• Is Part Of: Microelectronics and reliability. Volume 126(2021)
• Publication Date: 2021-11
• Subjects: PV modules -- Snail trails -- Degradation -- Failure; Electronic apparatus and appliances -- Reliability -- Periodicals; Miniature electronic equipment -- Periodicals; Appareils électroniques -- Fiabilité -- Périodiques; Équipement électronique miniaturisé -- Périodiques; Electronic apparatus and appliances -- Reliability; Miniature electronic equipment; Periodicals; 621.3815
• DOI: 10.1016/j.microrel.2021.114230
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0026-2714

Abstract

Abstract: Snail trails are a prevalent degradation phenomenon observed in solar power plants. In a previous study, it was determined that snail trails affected only the appearance of solar cells, without significantly contributing to actual power loss. However, when snail trails are accompanied by solar cell cracks, power loss occurs. We analyzed the snail trails in a specific module in a 95 kW power plant that has been operational since 2015. Moreover, we evaluated the power generation loss arising from snail trails using current–voltage measurements and electroluminescence analysis.