In this webinar hosted by the American Solar Energy Society's PV Technical Division, CEA's Engineering Manager Claire Kearns-McCoy discusses solar PV module quality risks.

The American Solar Energy Society webinar provides a comprehensive overview of the challenges and risks associated with solar PV module quality, featuring insights from Clean Energy Associates. Through a discussion on the importance of module quality, the application of Electroluminescence (EL) testing and visual inspections for detecting hidden defects, and findings from extensive field inspections, participants will gain an understanding of the critical nature of maintaining high standards in module production and installation. Claire also offers practical recommendations to reduce the risk of module defects, underscoring the need for the solar industry to adopt proactive quality assurance measures to ensure the longevity and reliability of solar installations.

Webinar content:

• The importance of detecting module damage early to avoid increased degradation and ensure the industry's sustainability.

• Techniques for identifying module damage include Electroluminescence (EL) testing and visual inspections, with EL testing crucial for uncovering hidden defects.

• Insights from over 300,000 field inspections revealed an uptick in microcracks in 2023, emphasizing the importance of quality checks throughout a module's lifecycle.

• Recommendations for mitigating module defect risks involve proactive detection, implementing factory quality assurance, and conducting thorough pre- and post-installation checks.