Analysis and simulation of cracks and micro cracks in PV cells

The goal in this analysis is to undestand more about the progressing of preexisting cracks in silicon solar cells under different enviromental loads. This enables to estimate critical crack sizes and reduce the losses and to improve realibility. In this work we present a 2D finite element model of encapsulated silicon solar cells containing cracks on critical positions. Cracks were modelled using special elements in ANSYS and the enviromental load caused by the thermal cycle is applied. In order to execute the evaluation of crack propagation on critical areas in the cross section of the solar cell the fracture mechanic theory is used and corresponding parameters are calculated.