Compressive Stress Strategies for Reduction of Cracked Cell Related Degradation Rates in New Solar Panels and Power Recovery in Damaged Solar Panels

Some crystalline silicon PV system underperformance is due to the presence of cracked solar cells, and this represents a financial risk for both already installed and future systems. This work describes compressive stress strategies and rear side pressure strategies that can be employed in new panel construction to prevent crack formation as front side mechanical loads from handling, wind, and snow are applied during shipping, installation and in the field. These strategies can also slow the opening of cracks and the related power loss for any cracks that do form. Furthermore, we present concepts for the retrofitting of older installed systems to close already open cracks and regain lost power, or to slow the future degradation of systems with panels that are sensitive to cracked cells.